Lagos: An Air Peace flight from Abuja to London turned back shortly after takeoff on Friday after a suspected bird strike cracked the aircraft’s windshield, the airline said.
The airline said this in a management statement on Saturday in Lagos.
According to management, no passenger was abandoned or left stranded during the handling of the situation.
“The air return was due to a windshield crack, suspected from a bird strike on our Abuja–London Heathrow flight.
“Returning to base followed aviation safety protocols,” the airline stated.
It said the aircraft landed safely at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where passengers disembarked, and that engineers began technical checks.
“All affected passengers were properly supported,” the airline added.
Passengers could travel that day via the Lagos–Gatwick route or fly the next day from Abuja.
Most passengers were flown to Lagos at no cost to connect to the Gatwick service, while others chose to depart from Abuja the following day.
The airline said it provided hotel accommodation to passengers who required it.
“We therefore clarify that claims passengers were abandoned or stranded are inaccurate, and we wonder where such narratives originated,” the statement read.
Air Peace added that it maintains a strong relationship with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and remains committed to regulatory compliance and passenger protection.
The airline thanked passengers for their patience and understanding.
The statement noted ongoing public criticism of Air Peace without established reasons.
Air Peace reiterated that safety remains the cornerstone of its operations and pledged to maintain the highest standards across its domestic and international network.
