Air Peace Flights Disrupted After Multiple Bird Strikes Ground Three Aircraft

The first incident occurred on Thursday, forcing the aircraft to return to base. Two additional aircraft were affected earlier today, Friday, further impacting scheduled flights.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by Air Peace’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo. The airline assured the public that the grounded aircraft are undergoing rigorous safety inspections before returning to service, emphasizing that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority.

“Air Peace regrets to inform the flying public of unexpected disruptions to our flight operations caused by multiple bird strike incidents affecting three of our aircraft within the last 24 hours,” the statement read.

The airline added that it is actively reaching out to affected passengers to provide necessary assistance, including rescheduling and alternative travel options where possible. It also urged customers to remain patient and understanding as the airline navigates these operational challenges.

Bird strikes pose a significant threat to aviation safety as they can damage aircraft engines and other critical components. They usually occur during takeoff, landing, or low-altitude flights when aircraft pass through bird-populated areas. Airports worldwide implement various control measures, including habitat management and bird-scaring techniques, to minimize these risks. However, occasional incidents still occur, leading to flight disruptions.

This is not the first time Air Peace has faced operational disruptions. In January 2025, the airline had to cancel flights to and from Warri, Ibadan, Akure, Ilorin, Calabar, and Uyo due to unscheduled maintenance, affecting operations on January 15 and 16.

Flight delays and cancellations remain a common challenge in Nigeria’s aviation industry. Between September and October 2024, Nigerian airlines recorded 5,225 delays and 901 cancellations, accounting for 48.3% and 8.3% of total flights, respectively.