By Our Correspondent

National News – Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace, has clarified the disruption of its Gatwick–Lagos flight on May 1, 2026, explaining that a bird strike forced the cancellation.

The incident occurred in London, United Kingdom, affecting passengers scheduled to travel to Lagos.

According to the airline, the disruption was caused by safety concerns, why the aircraft was immediately grounded for inspection.

The company stated that aviation safety protocols require such action, emphasizing that no flight would proceed without full clearance.

Air Peace addressed claims circulating on social media that passengers were abandoned, describing the reports as inaccurate.

The airline explained that passengers were promptly informed about what happened and how the situation would be handled.

It added that all affected travelers were provided with hotel accommodation at Hilton London Gatwick while alternative travel arrangements were being made.

The airline also acknowledged delays in baggage handling, noting that such services are managed by third-party ground handling companies at international airports.

It explained that these operational challenges contributed to passenger inconvenience but were beyond its direct control.

Air Peace stressed that communication was maintained throughout the incident, with the flight captain and airline officials providing updates.

The airline insisted that at no point were passengers left stranded without assistance, countering widespread criticism online.

While expressing regret over the disruption, the airline appealed for public understanding, highlighting that aviation operations involve multiple stakeholders and strict global safety standards.

It reiterated its commitment to passenger safety, comfort, and service improvement, promising to review its processes to better manage future disruptions.