Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has summoned Air Peace airline to its headquarters for an urgent meeting on Monday over several unexplained flight disruptions that left passengers stranded.
In a post on X on Saturday, Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, detailed complaints from passengers on an Air Peace flight from Heathrow to Abuja who were rerouted via Gatwick-Lagos-Abuja.
The situation worsened when the aircraft reportedly turned back mid-air due to a cracked windshield, stranding travelers in Lagos without proper support.
Achimugu explained that passengers faced long delays, and the airline failed to provide timely refunds, compensations, or basic needs like food and water during the ordeal.
“The above, along with cases of delayed refunds, compensations/first needs, has activated the Consumer Protection Department of the NCAA,” he stated, emphasizing the agency’s zero tolerance for abandoning paying customers.
While NCAA continues to back local airlines like Air Peace to boost Nigeria’s aviation growth, it insists all operators must meet the highest safety and service standards—no exceptions.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s aviation sector, where technical issues, weather, or air traffic problems often disrupt flights, frustrating travelers who pay high fares for reliable service.
Air Peace, one of the country’s leading carriers, has faced similar scrutiny before over delays and customer service, but the airline has not yet commented publicly on this matter.
The Monday meeting aims to investigate the root causes, ensure accountability, and prevent repeats that erode trust in domestic aviation.
Passengers affected by such disruptions are advised to keep records of their tickets, delays, and communications with the airline, as NCAA regulations require compensation for proven cases—typically cash refunds or alternative flights plus meals for waits over four hours. With air travel booming in Nigeria due to rising business and leisure demand, regulators like NCAA play a key role in balancing growth with passenger rights and safety.
