Air Peace Refutes Misleading Claims About Viral Video Showing Overcrowded Boarding
Air Peace, one of Nigeria’s leading airlines, has debunked claims circulating in a viral video alleging improper boarding processes during a flight from Abuja to Lagos on 20 December 2024.
In a detailed statement issued by the airline’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, the video was described as “false, mischievous, and misleading,” created to misinform the public and tarnish the reputation of the airline.
The airline explained that the incident occurred during a period of nationwide flight disruptions caused by harmattan-induced haze and fog, which significantly impacted visibility and flight operations across Nigeria.
Despite the adverse weather conditions, Air Peace said it swiftly deployed three aircraft to Abuja to ensure passengers reached their destinations with minimal delay.
However, during boarding at the Abuja airport, a surge of passengers overwhelmed officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Air Peace’s boarding staff, leading some passengers to access the airside without proper guidance.
This necessitated the use of barricades to organise the boarding process and maintain order.
Dr. Ndiulo expressed regret over the inconvenience caused by the delays but strongly condemned the dissemination of what he described as deliberate falsehoods in the viral video.
“Such representations are not reflective of our values or operations,” the statement read, urging the public to disregard the video entirely.
Air Peace reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety, describing it as “not just a priority but a fundamental precondition for all our activities.”
The airline also extended its appreciation to its loyal customers for their patience and understanding during the disruption, while assuring them of its dedication to safe and timely operations.
Passengers requiring further clarification or assistance have been encouraged to contact the airline via its official email, [email protected].
