Passengers affected by a recent wave of flight delays and cancellations have received an apology from Air Peace, as the airline attributed the disruptions to a mix of operational and safety-related challenges.
According to the airline, the incidents were linked to adverse weather conditions, a bird strike, technical issues, a false fire alarm and delays in the availability of aviation fuel.
In a statement issued yesterday by its Chief Operating Officer, Oluwatoyin Olajide, Air Peace expressed regret over the inconvenience caused, acknowledging the frustration experienced by passengers as a result of the disruptions.
According to Olajide, one of the carrier’s aircraft was grounded after an inadvertent false fire alarm, while another aircraft was forced out of service for several days after being hit by a bird.
The airline also said unfavourable weather conditions had contributed to diversions, delays and cancellations on some of its routes.
Other factors identified by the carrier included technical problems that required mandatory inspections and maintenance, as well as delays in the availability of aviation fuel in some instances.
Olajide said the airline recognised that, regardless of the circumstances behind the disruptions, passengers ultimately bore the inconvenience.
He said:
“The disruptions resulted from a combination of unforeseen circumstances, including an inadvertent false fire alarm that grounded one of our aircraft, adverse weather conditions that resulted in diversions, delays and, in some cases, outright cancellations, a bird strike that grounded another aircraft for days, technical issues requiring necessary mandatory checks and maintenance, as well as a delay in the availability of aviation fuel in some cases.”
He added:
“While some of these circumstances were beyond our immediate control, we acknowledge the impact they have had on our passengers. Our focus is on managing these challenges responsibly, minimising disruption and ensuring that our passengers are not left to bear the consequences of operational challenges.”
Safety Takes Priority
Despite the operational difficulties, Air Peace maintained that safety remained its overriding priority and said it would not compromise established aviation procedures in an attempt to keep flights operating.
The carrier said an aircraft would only be returned to service after its technical teams had completed the necessary assessments and relevant safety procedures had confirmed that it was fit to fly.
It explained that when weather conditions, technical defects, bird strikes or other safety-related circumstances required an aircraft to remain grounded, that decision would take precedence over operational convenience.
The airline's position reflects the delicate balance carriers must maintain between meeting flight schedules and complying with mandatory safety requirements, particularly when unexpected technical or environmental incidents occur.
Carrier Moves to Stabilise Operations
Air Peace said it was implementing immediate measures aimed at stabilising its operations and reducing the impact of unforeseen disruptions on passengers.
The measures include strengthening contingency arrangements and improving communication and responsiveness when unexpected operational challenges arise.
The airline also assured passengers that it remained committed to providing safe and dependable air transportation while working to make its services more reliable and seamless.
The latest disruptions come at a time when schedule reliability remains a major concern for air travellers, particularly on busy domestic routes where delays or aircraft shortages can quickly affect subsequent flights across an airline's network.
Air Peace said it regretted the inconvenience experienced by affected passengers and reiterated its commitment to addressing the operational challenges while maintaining safety as the first consideration in every flight decision.