Air Peace Grounds Three Aircraft After Multiple Bird Strikes, Passengers Affected

Air Peace has announced significant disruptions to its flight operations after three of its aircraft were struck by birds within a 24-hour period, leading to their grounding for thorough safety checks. The airline is working diligently to assist affected passengers with rescheduling and alternative travel options.

The first bird strike occurred on Thursday, forcing the aircraft to return to base. Two additional aircraft were impacted earlier today, Friday, further complicating scheduled flights.

In a statement released on Friday, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, Head of Corporate Communications for Air Peace, explained that the airline is conducting rigorous safety inspections on the affected aircraft before they are cleared to return to service. Ndiulo reassured the public that passenger and crew safety remain the airline’s highest 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 is actively reaching out to passengers to provide assistance, including rescheduling flights and offering alternative travel arrangements where possible. Air Peace also appealed to its customers for patience and understanding while the airline navigates the operational challenges caused by the bird strikes.

Bird strikes are a significant concern for aviation safety as they can damage critical components of aircraft, including engines. These incidents typically occur during takeoff, landing, or low-altitude flights when aircraft fly through bird-populated areas. Although airports implement various bird control measures to reduce these risks, occasional incidents still cause flight disruptions.

This is not the first time Air Peace has faced operational challenges. In January 2025, the airline was forced to cancel flights to and from multiple destinations, including Warri, Ibadan, and Akure, due to unscheduled maintenance.

Flight delays and cancellations remain persistent challenges for Nigeria’s aviation industry. Between September and October 2024, Nigerian airlines recorded 5,225 delays and 901 cancellations, accounting for nearly half of all flights during that period.