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Air Peace Limited has clarified the circumstances surrounding the disruption of its London Gatwick–Lagos flight on May 1, 2026, attributing the incident to a bird strike and subsequent operational challenges.
In a statement shared via its official X handle, the airline said reports suggesting passengers were abandoned without care or communication “do not accurately reflect the full circumstances.” It stressed that safety considerations were the primary reason for its actions.
According to the airline, the aircraft was grounded immediately after the bird strike to allow for comprehensive safety inspections in line with global aviation standards. It described the incident as a recognised force majeure event, insisting that “safety is not negotiable.”
Air Peace stated that passengers were promptly informed about the disruption and were offered hotel accommodation at the Hilton London Gatwick Airport. However, it acknowledged delays in some aspects of passenger handling, particularly baggage retrieval.
The airline explained that baggage handling at international airports is managed by third-party ground handling companies and is not under its direct control, citing congestion and delays from these services as contributing factors.
Rejecting claims of neglect, the airline maintained that communication was sustained throughout the incident and that efforts were made to ensure passengers’ welfare, including arranging accommodation and preparing a replacement aircraft.
While expressing regret over the inconvenience caused, Air Peace called for understanding, noting that aviation operations involve multiple stakeholders and strict safety protocols. It also pledged to review its processes to improve service delivery during unforeseen disruptions.
