“Safety is not negotiable”: Air Peace explains Gatwick–Lagos disruption after bird strike

Air Peace has addressed reports circulating online about alleged passenger neglect on its London Gatwick–Lagos flight, insisting that the situation has been misrepresented and reaffirming its commitment to safety and passenger care.

In a statement released on Friday, the airline said the disruption on its May 1, 2026 service from Gatwick Airport to Lagos was caused by a bird strike, describing it as a “recognised ‘force majeure’ event” that required the aircraft to be grounded immediately for safety checks.

“At Air Peace, safety is not negotiable, and under no circumstance would we operate an aircraft without the required safety clearance,” the airline stated.

According to the carrier, passengers were promptly informed about the incident and the cancellation, while arrangements were made for their welfare, including hotel accommodation at the Hilton London Gatwick and support for onward transit.

The airline, however, noted that additional operational challenges—such as airport congestion and delays from ground handling services—affected the timely retrieval of checked baggage, which in turn slowed down the transfer of some passengers to their hotels.

“It is important to note that baggage handling at international airports is managed by designated ground handling companies… As such, Air Peace does not exercise direct control over these processes,” the statement explained.

Dismissing claims that passengers were abandoned, the airline maintained that communication was sustained throughout, stressing, “At no point were passengers abandoned,” while confirming that all affected travellers were offered accommodation and support as plans continue to deploy another aircraft to complete the journey.

Air Peace acknowledged the inconvenience caused but urged understanding, emphasising that aviation operations are complex and involve “multiple stakeholders, layered safety protocols, and strict regulatory compliance,” especially during unexpected disruptions.

While expressing concern over what it described as “negative hounding” following the incident, the airline reiterated its dedication to safety, passenger comfort, and continuous improvement in handling unforeseen situations.