On July 13, 2025, a serious runway incident involving an Air Peace flight in Port Harcourt sent ripples through Nigeria’s aviation sector, raising concerns about safety protocols and crew conduct.
The event, which prompted an investigation by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), has sparked a public dispute, with Air Peace denying receipt of any official findings from the bureau.
The airline’s response underscores its commitment to safety and transparency while addressing questions about crew behavior and regulatory compliance.
In a statement released on Friday, Air Peace refuted the NSIB’s preliminary report issued in Lagos, stating it had not received formal communication regarding the investigation’s outcomes.
“As a responsible airline, we prioritise safety, transparency, and compliance.
“We must clarify that, more than a month after the July 13 incident, no official findings have been shared with us,” the airline declared.
It emphasized that crew members underwent alcohol testing within an hour of the incident, as part of its immediate response.
Air Peace highlighted its stringent internal policies, noting that it enforces stricter alcohol and drug testing rules than the regulatory minimum of an eight-hour pre-flight abstinence period.
The airline disclosed that the flight captain involved in the incident was grounded for failing to adhere to Crew Resource Management (CRM) principles, not due to a positive alcohol test.
“No such findings have been communicated to us by NSIB,” the statement clarified.
In contrast, the First Officer, commended for initiating a critical go-around maneuver during the incident, has been reinstated with full clearance from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
“If the First Officer had been involved in drug or alcohol use, the NCAA would not have approved his return to flying duties,” Air Peace asserted, reinforcing its confidence in the officer’s conduct.
The airline pledged to enhance its safety measures, including intensifying alcohol and drug testing should NSIB confirm any positive results for the grounded captain.
Additionally, Air Peace committed to strengthening its Enhanced Crew Resource Management training and implementing stricter fitness-for-duty checks to uphold its zero-tolerance safety policy.
“We are dedicated to maintaining the highest safety standards and will continue to work closely with regulatory authorities,” the airline concluded.
