Air Peace Lagos-bound flight was disrupted by a bird strike shortly before takeoff in Abuja on Thursday.
A bird strike is a collision between a bird and an aircraft which is in flight or on a takeoff or landing roll.
According to a statement by Ejike Ndiulo, its head of corporate communications, Air Peace said the flight from Abuja to Lagos took off around 6:30am.
“We wish to inform our esteemed passengers that our Abuja-Lagos 06:30 flight experienced a bird strike before take-off, prompting a ramp return as a safety measure. All passengers disembarked normally,” the airline said.
“We have deployed a replacement aircraft for the affected flight in order to minimize disruptions, thus ensuring that passengers continue their journeys promptly.
“We appeal for the understanding of our valued passengers impacted by this development, as well as those on other flights that may experience delays.
“At Air Peace, we are committed to providing safe, comfortable, and reliable air travel for all our passengers.”
Inibehe Effiong, a Lagos-based human rights lawyer, took to his Facebook page to share his experience on the flight.
Effiong said the development threw some passengers into panic with the attendant screaming.
“While taxing on the runway and just before takeoff, our Air Peace flight from Abuja to Lagos scheduled for 6:30 AM today was stopped forcefully, resulting in panic and screams by some passengers,” he posted.
“The captain attributed the incident to a bird strike. We have been deboarded to await either a replacement or repair of the aircraft.
“Thankfully, whatever happened did not occur after takeoff. It would have been scarier.”
Minutes later, Effiong posted that the faulty aircraft had been replaced and the passengers were already boarding preparatory to the Lagos trip.
On November 4, one of Air Peace’s flights heading to Abuja from Benin could not continue the trip due to a technical snag the aircraft encountered shortly after takeoff.
