NCAA Calls on Air Peace Following Flight Disruption from Abuja to London

On Saturday, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) called upon Air Peace regarding a disruption involving its Abuja to London flight. This action follows numerous complaints submitted by passengers affected by the situation.

The NCAA stated that Air Peace executives have been summoned for an urgent meeting at the agency's headquarters to discuss the specific reasons behind the flight disruption and to address additional operational issues raised by passengers.

This incident occurred when a flight from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to Heathrow Airport in London was compelled to turn back shortly after taking off on Friday.

Officials noted that the event led to significant passenger complaints and has prompted close regulatory examination.

A spokesperson for the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, revealed that the agency had initiated its consumer protection processes in response to complaints from affected passengers. He indicated that travelers on the Heathrow to Abuja route were rerouted through Lagos, but faced subsequent difficulties continuing their journey.

"Air Peace has received an invitation to meet with the NCAA to discuss several unexplained disruptions, particularly related to complaints from passengers traveling the Heathrow to Abuja route who were redirected via Gatwick to Lagos and then back to Abuja," Achimugu remarked.

He further emphasized the responsibility of the NCAA's Consumer Protection Department in ensuring airlines meet passenger rights obligations. "We will not accept any neglect of paid passengers. Although the authority favors domestic airlines, we expect all operators to comply with our highest standards," he went on.

Achimugu assured that the regulator will thoroughly investigate the disruption and implement necessary actions based on the findings, in accordance with Nigeria’s aviation rules.

In a statement regarding the incident, Air Peace explained that the aircraft returned to Abuja due to a safety issue concerning the windshield. According to the airline, the flight crew had discovered a crack in the windshield, believed to have been caused by a bird strike, which necessitated the decision to return.

“The return of the aircraft was solely due to a crack on the windshield suspected to have resulted from a bird strike on our Abuja to London flight,” the airline reported, affirming that this action took place following standard aviation safety protocols.

Air Peace noted that the aircraft landed safely in Abuja, where passengers disembarked normally, and engineers commenced technical inspections. The airline refuted circulating social media claims that passengers had been abandoned following the disruption.

“To clarify, no passenger was left abandoned or stranded during this situation,” the airline stated. It added that immediately after the incident, alternative travel options were presented to the passengers. Some were flown to Lagos free of charge to connect with a Lagos to London service, while others opted to travel the next day on the Abuja route.

The airline also provided hotel accommodations for those who requested it, reiterating that the decision to return the aircraft was driven solely by safety factors. “Safety is paramount in our operations, and we remain dedicated to meeting the highest safety standards while providing reliable services,” Air Peace declared.

Additionally, the airline committed to maintaining a collaborative relationship with the NCAA and to fully adhere to regulatory requirements and protect passenger rights.

Meanwhile, the NCAA has announced that its investigation will clarify the circumstances behind the disruption and ensure compliance with aviation safety and consumer protection rules.