The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, has defended Air Peace following public criticism over allegations that the airline abandoned passengers in London after a flight disruption reportedly caused by a bird strike.
Speaking with journalists in Lagos, Najomo dismissed viral social media claims suggesting that passengers were left stranded in the United Kingdom without care or accommodation, insisting the airline followed established aviation safety procedures.
“There was no case of abandonment,” he said. “The passengers were taken care of. In fact, my wife was on that flight and they were all accommodated by Air Peace.”
He explained that the aircraft had landed safely in London and passengers had disembarked when a routine post-landing inspection by the pilot revealed evidence of a bird strike.
The discovery prompted further safety checks in line with international aviation protocols.
Following the inspection, Najomo said the aircraft manufacturer Boeing was contacted and advised that the plane should be grounded pending additional technical evaluation.
According to him, the airline immediately informed passengers of the situation and arranged hotel accommodation at the Hilton Hotel near Gatwick Airport while alternative travel arrangements were made.
He added that affected passengers were to be transported on the next available Air Peace service operating from Abuja.
“Delays and cancellations happen to all airlines,” Najomo stated. “What happened to Air Peace was taken out of context, and it is unfair. No airline deliberately leaves its passengers stranded.”
The NCAA boss also criticised the circulation of viral videos and online commentary about the incident, questioning what more the airline could reasonably have done under the circumstances.
“At this point, what did you expect Air Peace to do?” he asked. “I am not here to defend Air Peace.
”If they go wrong, I will criticise them. But the NCAA investigated this incident and found that Air Peace did the right thing and followed all necessary protocols.”
He urged Nigerians to be cautious about narratives that, in his view, unfairly damage local carriers, arguing that similar operational disruptions occur globally.
“We should support our own,” he said, citing examples of international carriers such as Delta Air Lines and British Airways that have also experienced similar disruptions due to technical and environmental issues.
The NCAA chief further noted that global aviation is currently under pressure from rising operational costs, particularly fuel prices, which have been worsened by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
He said these challenges have forced many airlines to reduce routes and adjust services.
The comments come amid growing criticism on social media over recent delays and cancellations involving Air Peace, though the airline maintains that passenger safety remains its top priority and all decisions comply with international aviation standards.
