… Says No Passenger Was Abandoned, Stranded
Air Peace has refuted insinuationsin some quarters that it abandoned its passengers on the Abuja–London service, when the aircraft had an air return on March 13, 2026
A statement by the management of the airline explained that for the avoidance of doubt, no passenger was abandoned or left stranded at any point during the handling of the situation.
“The attention of Air Peace has been drawn to comments circulating on social media suggesting that passengers on our Abuja–London service were abandoned following an air return on 13 March 2026
“For the avoidance of doubt, no passenger was abandoned or left stranded at any point during the handling of the situation.
“The air return ocurred due to a windshield crack suspected to be caused by a bird strike on our Abuja–London (Heathrow) flight,” the airline’s management said.
The airline further said that the decision to return to base was strictly in line with established aviation safety protocols.
The aircraft, Air Peace said safely returned to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where all passengers disembarked safely while the airline’s engineering team commenced the necessary technical checks on the aircraft.
” In line with our standard passenger care procedures and global aviation best practices, all affected passengers were well taken care of.
“We reiterate that no single passenger was left stranded.
“We immediately provided passengers with options of flying out the same day through our Lagos-Gatwick route or flying the following day through Abuja to London. Majority of the passengers were flown to Lagos free of charge to join our Lagos – Gatwick. Some preferred to fly the next day through Abuja,”the airline informed.
Hotel accommodation,Air Peace said was provided to those who needed it.
“We therefore respectfully clarify that the characterisation of passengers being abandoned or stranded is inaccurate and wonder where this narrative came from.
“As a responsible airline, Air Peace maintains a strong and cooperative
working relationship with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and remains fully committed to regulatory compliance, passenger protection, and operational transparency,” the statement said.
Air Peace, said that it deeply appreciates the patience and understanding shown by its valued passengers and the traveling public during the disruption.
The airline, however decried the deliberate bashing and persistent hounding of Air Peace for unfounded reasons.
Safety, the carrier said remains the cornerstone of its operations, and that it will continue to uphold the highest standards while delivering safe, reliable, and world-class air transport services across its domestic and international network.
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