…Regulator confirms rare incident as travelers complain of poor communication and broader safety concerns
An Air Peace aircraft was grounded on Saturday after it struck and killed an antelope while taxiing at Asaba International Airport, leading to significant flight delays and growing frustration among passengers.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed the incident, describing it as a rare wildlife encounter but emphasized that the airline is still responsible for assisting affected travelers.
“We can confirm that the aircraft was rendered temporarily unserviceable following the impact,” an NCAA spokesperson said. “While this was clearly a rare wildlife encounter, Air Peace is still responsible for managing the consequences and ensuring proper care for affected passengers.”
Passenger frustration mounts
Several flights were delayed as a result of the collision, leaving passengers stranded for hours with little information from the airline.
“No one told us anything for hours. We were just left in the waiting area without updates,” said Sola Adebayo, a Lagos-bound traveler. “I understand that an antelope incident is unusual, but this speaks to a broader problem.”
Others pointed to deeper infrastructure and safety issues in the Nigerian aviation system.
“This isn’t just about Air Peace,” said Ifeoma Nwachukwu, another stranded passenger. “It’s about airport safety, wildlife control, and how quickly the system can respond.”
Regulatory pressure mounts on Air Peace
The NCAA reiterated that although the wildlife collision was not Air Peace’s fault, the airline must uphold its obligations to passengers. The incident follows a recent warning from the authority to Air Peace over frequent delays and the need for operational improvements.
“The NCAA is monitoring the situation closely,” the spokesperson added. “We expect Air Peace to uphold its obligations to its passengers.”
As of Sunday morning, the aircraft involved remained grounded, with investigations ongoing and efforts underway to resume normal flight operations.
