Air Peace Apologises Over Flight Disruptions, Vows to Stabilise Operations
By Cynthia Okere, Lagos
Air Peace has apologised to passengers affected by recent flight delays and cancellations across parts of its network, saying it is taking immediate measures to stabilise operations and improve its response to disruptions.
The airline attributed the operational challenges to a combination of circumstances, including a false fire alarm that temporarily grounded an aircraft, adverse weather conditions, a bird strike, technical issues requiring mandatory checks and maintenance, and delays in the availability of aviation fuel.
In a statement signed by its Chief Operating Officer, Oluwatoyin Olajide, Air Peace acknowledged the inconvenience caused to passengers whose journeys and other engagements were affected.
The airline said that while some of the circumstances were beyond its immediate control, it recognised the impact on passengers and was working to minimise further disruptions.
“We understand the frustration and inconvenience these have caused and deeply regret the disruptions to your travel plans,” the airline said.
Air Peace stressed that safety considerations would continue to take priority over maintaining flight schedules, insisting that no aircraft would be released for operation until required technical and safety procedures had been completed.
According to the carrier, adverse weather, technical problems, bird strikes and other safety-related developments could require an aircraft to remain on the ground, even where such decisions result in delays or cancellations.
“Air Peace will never compromise safety in an attempt to keep to a schedule,” the airline said, adding that the safety of passengers, crew and aircraft remained its highest priority.
The airline said it was taking immediate steps to strengthen contingency arrangements while improving communication and responsiveness whenever unforeseen operational challenges arise.
The apology comes amid complaints from some Air Peace passengers over recent delays and rescheduling of flights.
On September 3, The Guardian reported that passengers protested after an Asaba-Lagos flight was rescheduled by several hours, with the airline’s recent operational challenges linked to factors including bird strikes and aviation fuel scarcity.
Air Peace said it remained committed to providing safe and dependable air travel while rebuilding the confidence of passengers affected by the disruptions.
“To every passenger who has been inconvenienced, kept waiting, had a journey disrupted or had to rearrange important plans because of these operational challenges, we sincerely apologise,” the airline said.
It thanked passengers for their patience and understanding and pledged to improve the reliability and overall service experience across its operations.