Air Peace says Abuja–London flight returned due to bird-strike windshield crack, insists no passengers were stranded.

Air Peace has denied claims circulating on social media that passengers on its Abuja–London service were abandoned following an air return on March 13, 2026.

In a statement issued by the airline’s management on Saturday, the carrier clarified that no passenger was stranded during the handling of the situation.

According to the airline, the aircraft returned to base after a windshield crack suspected to have been caused by a bird strike.

Air Peace said the decision to return the aircraft was taken in line with established aviation safety protocols.

The flight safely returned to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where passengers disembarked while engineers carried out technical checks on the aircraft.

The airline explained that passengers were immediately provided with alternative travel options.

Affected passengers were given the choice of departing the same day through the airline’s Lagos–Gatwick route or travelling the following day on the Abuja–London service.

Air Peace said most passengers were transported free of charge to Lagos to connect with the Lagos–Gatwick flight, while others opted to depart the following day from Abuja.

The airline also said hotel accommodation was provided for passengers who required it.

“We reiterate that no single passenger was left stranded,” the statement said.

Air Peace expressed concern over what it described as inaccurate reports suggesting passengers were abandoned.

The airline said the narrative misrepresented the events surrounding the incident.

“As a responsible airline, Air Peace maintains a strong and cooperative working relationship with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and remains fully committed to regulatory compliance, passenger protection and operational transparency,” the statement added.

The carrier also thanked passengers for their patience and understanding during the disruption.

Air Peace emphasised that safety remains the cornerstone of its operations, assuring the travelling public that it will continue to maintain the highest standards in delivering safe and reliable air transport services. (ArsieNews TV)