Air Peace Limited has clarified the circumstances surrounding the disruption of its London Gatwick–Lagos flight on May 1, 2026, stating that the incident was caused by a bird strike and that all safety protocols were strictly followed in line with international aviation standards.0
In an official statement, the airline said the aircraft involved was immediately grounded after the bird strike, describing the incident as a recognised aviation “force majeure” event that requires mandatory technical inspection before any further flight operations can be approved. The airline emphasised that safety considerations prevented the continuation of the flight.
According to Air Peace, passengers were promptly informed of the disruption and the cancellation of the service. The airline stated that arrangements were made to accommodate affected passengers at the Hilton Hotel in London Gatwick, while logistical coordination was initiated to manage their onward travel and welfare.
The airline explained that while passengers were being processed, additional operational challenges arose at the airport, including congestion and delays involving ground handling services responsible for baggage retrieval. It noted that baggage handling at international airports is managed by third-party ground service providers operating under airport regulations, and not directly controlled by the airline.
Air Peace stated that these delays affected the timely retrieval of checked luggage, which in turn slowed the transfer of some passengers to accommodation facilities. Despite this, the airline maintained that all passengers were offered hotel accommodation and those who accepted were successfully accommodated.
The airline further disclosed that arrangements were being made to deploy another aircraft to complete the disrupted service, ensuring that passengers would eventually continue their journey to Lagos.
Responding to claims circulating on social media suggesting passengers were stranded without communication or care, Air Peace rejected the narrative, stating that it does not reflect the actual sequence of events. The airline insisted that communication was maintained with passengers throughout the disruption and that updates were provided by the flight captain and ground personnel.
Air Peace stressed that at no point were passengers abandoned, adding that all necessary welfare measures, including accommodation and coordination support, were activated. The airline said it remained in contact with affected travellers while managing operational recovery.
The carrier also highlighted that aviation operations involve multiple stakeholders, including ground handling companies, airport authorities, and regulatory agencies, and that disruptions of this nature require coordination across all parties. It noted that such processes are governed by strict international aviation safety regulations.
Reiterating its position, Air Peace said the decision to ground the aircraft was made solely on safety grounds, in compliance with global aviation standards that prohibit continued operation of an aircraft until it has been fully inspected and cleared after a bird strike.
The airline expressed empathy for passengers affected by the disruption, acknowledging the inconvenience caused but maintaining that safety must remain the highest priority in aviation operations.
It further stated that it is reviewing internal procedures to improve response efficiency during unforeseen operational disruptions, particularly those involving external airport processes such as baggage handling and ground logistics.
Air Peace also addressed criticism circulating online, describing it as disproportionate given that the disruption was caused by a safety-related incident outside the airline’s control. It maintained that its response throughout the situation was responsible and aligned with aviation best practices.
Bird strikes are a known risk in global aviation and occur when aircraft collide with birds during take-off, landing, or flight. International aviation regulations require aircraft involved in such incidents to undergo mandatory inspections before being cleared for further operations, regardless of apparent damage.
The airline concluded by reaffirming its commitment to passenger safety, comfort, and service reliability, stating that it will continue to comply with all regulatory requirements while working to minimise disruption during unforeseen events.
Air Peace thanked passengers for their patience and understanding, as well as members of the travelling public for their continued support.
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