A travel disruption at London’s Gatwick Airport has sparked public criticism from Nollywood star Funke Akindele, who accused Air Peace of poor communication and inadequate passenger support during a prolonged flight delay that left travellers stranded for hours.
The incident reportedly began early Friday around 6:30 a.m., when passengers were informed that the delay was due to a suspected bird strike involving the aircraft—a situation that typically requires safety checks before take-off clearance. However, as hours passed, passengers remained stuck at the airport without their checked luggage or clear updates on when they would continue their journey.
In a series of posts on her X account, Akindele described the situation as chaotic and distressing, especially for vulnerable travellers. “Air Peace, this is unacceptable,” she wrote, highlighting the absence of clear communication and basic passenger care during the disruption.
She further explained that elderly passengers and families were among those most affected. “Passengers (including elderly people) have been stranded since 6:30 AM at London Gatwick Airport with no proper communication,” she stated, adding that even after being told a hotel would be provided, travellers were still left waiting at the baggage claim area for hours without assistance.
According to her account, many passengers were exhausted, hungry, and forced to remain seated on the floor while waiting for updates. “Elderly passengers are struggling. Families are tired. No clear updates. No support,” she said, urging the airline to urgently resolve the situation. She also called for immediate release of luggage and fulfillment of the promised accommodation.
Despite the ongoing frustration among passengers, Akindele noted that no tangible support had been delivered hours after the initial disruption, deepening concerns about the handling of the situation.
In response, Air Peace issued a public apology via social media, expressing regret over the inconvenience caused. “Dear Funke @funkeakindele, we sincerely empathize with you over this experience and all inconveniences this has caused to your travel plans,” the airline stated.
The carrier explained that the delay was linked to safety-related operational checks, noting that such disruptions are sometimes unavoidable. “Such actions are never intentional as we prioritize safety and operational efficiency, and while we strive for on-time departures, certain factors beyond our control can sometimes cause delays,” it added.
Air Peace also assured passengers that efforts were underway to provide assistance and resolve the situation. “Rest assured our team are working at the moment to provide all affected passengers with the adequate assistance. Please bear with us during this time,” the airline said.
The incident has once again drawn attention to airline customer service standards during operational disruptions, particularly on long-haul international routes where delays can significantly affect passenger welfare.