Air Peace Limited has apologised to passengers affected by recent operational issues, including delays and cancellations across some of its services. The airline said several unforeseen events disrupted its schedule in recent days. However, it stressed that safety would remain its highest priority, even when disruptions affect passengers and flight plans.
In a statement personally signed by Chief Operating Officer, Air Peace Limited, Mrs Oluwatoyin Olajide, the airline acknowledged the frustration caused by these operational isues. She said the carrier deeply regretted the impact on passengers who faced delays, cancellations and changes to important travel plans. Meanwhile, she explained that several unrelated factors had contributed to the recent difficulties experienced across the airline’s operations.
Operational Issues Linked to Several Disruptions
According to Olajide, the disruptions resulted from a combination of unforeseen circumstances affecting the airline’s operations. These included an inadvertent false fire alarm that grounded one aircraft and adverse weather that caused diversions, delays and cancellations.
She also cited a bird strike that grounded another aircraft for several days. In addition, the airline experienced technical issues that required mandatory checks and maintenance. A delay in the availability of aviation fuel also contributed to disruption in some cases.
“We understand the frustration and inconvenience these have caused and deeply regret the disruptions to your travel plans,” Olajide said.
The Air Peace executive acknowledged that some of the operational issues were beyond the airline’s immediate control. Nevertheless, she said the carrier understood the consequences for passengers and remained responsible for managing the effects.
“Our focus is on managing these challenges responsibly, minimising disruption and ensuring that our passengers are not left to bear the consequences of operational issues,” she said.
The airline’s response comes as reliability remains critical to passengers using Nigeria’s busy domestic aviation network. Flight disruptions can affect connecting journeys, business schedules and other time-sensitive plans. Therefore, effective communication becomes particularly important when unforeseen events prevent airlines from maintaining published schedules.
Air Peace Makes Safety Commitment Clear
Olajide said Air Peace would not compromise safety to maintain its published schedule. She described safety as the airline’s highest priority and said passengers, crew and aircraft would not be exposed to unnecessary risks.
“At the same time, we wish to make one point unequivocally clear: Air Peace will never compromise safety in an attempt to keep to a schedule,” she said.
“In Air Peace, safety remains our highest priority. We will never compromise the safety of our passengers, crew and aircraft.”
She further explained that aircraft would only return to service after technical teams completed the necessary checks. The relevant safety procedures must also confirm that the aircraft is fit to fly.
“An aircraft will not be released for service until our technical teams and all relevant safety procedures are satisfied that it is safe to fly,” Olajide said.
She added that weather conditions, technical faults, bird strikes or other safety-related circumstances could require an aircraft to remain grounded. In such situations, she said safety would always take precedence over operational convenience.
The position reinforces the importance of maintenance and operational safety within commercial aviation.
Airline Plans Measures to Stabilise Operations
Beyond the immediate disruptions, Air Peace said it was taking steps to stabilise its operations. The airline plans to strengthen contingency measures and improve communication when unforeseen circumstances occur.
Olajide also said the carrier would work on improving its responsiveness to passengers during periods of disruption. This could help reduce uncertainty for travellers when delays or cancellations become unavoidable.
Air Peace remains committed to providing safe and dependable air travel, she said. The airline also wants to restore confidence among passengers affected by the recent disruptions.
“To every passenger who has been inconvenienced, kept waiting, had a journey disrupted or had to rearrange important plans because of these operational issues, we sincerely apologise,” Olajide said.
“We deeply appreciate the patience and understanding of our passengers and the confidence they continue to place in Air Peace.”
The airline said it remains committed to delivering the quality, reliability and service experience passengers expect. However, its latest statement makes clear that maintaining a flight schedule will not override safety considerations.
