NCAA Defends Air Peace After London Bird Strike Disruption

The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, has formally defended Air Peace against allegations that the carrier abandoned passengers in London. The statement addresses the Air Peace London flight disruption on May 1, 2026, which was caused by a bird strike. Speaking at an event at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, NCAA DG Chris Najomo asserted that the airline's handling of the Air Peace Gatwick disruption complied with all required bird strike aviation protocol and safety standards, directly refuting viral social media claims.

The incident involved a Boeing 777 operating from London Gatwick to Lagos. According to the NCAA, the bird strike was discovered during a routine post-landing ramp inspection after all passengers had already disembarked. Following the discovery, Air Peace consulted with aircraft manufacturer Boeing, which advised grounding the aircraft for comprehensive safety checks. The NCAA's investigation concluded that the airline acted responsibly by providing accommodation for all affected passengers at the Hilton London Gatwick, fulfilling its duty of care.

Regulatory Compliance and Safety Protocols

Capt. Najomo emphasized that the airline's actions were dictated by non-negotiable safety procedures. "The NCAA investigated this incident and found that Air Peace did the right thing and followed all necessary protocols," he stated. This response aligns with regulations from both the NCAA and international bodies that mandate rigorous post-incident safety inspections. After an event like a bird strike, an aircraft cannot be cleared for its next flight without explicit approval from both the manufacturer and the relevant regulatory authority.

Furthermore, the airline's provision of accommodation is consistent with the NCAA's Passenger Bill of Rights. This regulation requires carriers to provide welfare, including lodging and communication, during significant flight disruptions. The DG confirmed his wife was on the flight and was among those accommodated, adding a personal attestation to the airline's response. He explained that passengers were offered alternatives, including placement on the next available Air Peace flight.

Industry Pressures and 'De-Marketing' Claims

The NCAA Director-General also addressed what he described as a trend of "de-marketing" within the Nigerian aviation industry. He argued that local carriers like Air Peace face disproportionately harsh public criticism compared to their international counterparts when similar operational issues occur. "Incidents like this happen globally. It happened to Delta. It happened to British Airways. Nobody made noise about it or posted endless videos online. Why should Air Peace be treated differently?" Najomo questioned.

He linked this scrutiny to broader economic pressures facing the global aviation sector, particularly the rising cost of aviation fuel, which has been exacerbated by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. According to Najomo, airlines worldwide are implementing cost-cutting measures, including reducing routes and in-flight services, to remain viable. He suggested the intense focus on Air Peace's disruption was taken out of context and urged for greater public support for indigenous airlines.

Impact on Passengers and Operations

The disruption had a significant impact on passengers scheduled to travel on the Gatwick-Lagos route, causing considerable delays and uncertainty. While the NCAA maintains that the airline fulfilled its obligations, alternative perspectives shared on social media by some passengers, including Nollywood actress Funke Akindele, described poor communication and long waits. This highlights the gap between regulatory compliance and passenger experience expectations in the digital age.

For Air Peace, the incident resulted in direct financial costs associated with passenger accommodation, aircraft-on-ground (AOG) expenses for the Boeing 777, and reputational damage fueled by the viral videos. Boeing's role was limited to providing the necessary technical advisory to ensure the aircraft's airworthiness before its return to service.

Historical Context: The Gravity of Bird Strikes

While this incident ended with a safe grounding and inspection, the aviation industry treats all bird strikes with extreme caution due to their potential for catastrophic failure. The most prominent example remains US Airways Flight 1549 in January 2009, where a double bird strike caused dual engine failure, leading to a forced ditching in the Hudson River. That event prompted stricter engine testing standards and serves as a constant reminder of why protocols mandating grounding after a suspected strike are critical for safety.

What Comes Next

Following the incident, Air Peace confirmed the deployment of a replacement aircraft to operate the affected Lagos-bound service, minimizing further delays for the accommodated passengers. The grounded Boeing 777 was cleared to return to service only after completing all required inspections and receiving approval from both Boeing and aviation authorities. The NCAA considers its investigation into the airline's handling of the disruption concluded, having found no regulatory violations.

Why This Matters

This event underscores a growing tension in the aviation industry between stringent, process-driven safety protocols and real-time passenger expectations shaped by social media. For the Nigerian aviation industry, it highlights the challenge local carriers face in managing public perception against established international airlines. The NCAA's strong defense of Air Peace signals a regulatory push to protect indigenous carriers from what it views as unfair criticism that could undermine their growth and stability.