Prominent Politician Assaults Air Peace Staff Over Missed Flight, Airline Condemns Disruptive Conduct, Reaffirms Zero Tolerance for Violence

Leading Nigerian carrier, Air Peace, has condemned in the strongest terms the unruly and violent conduct of a prominent Nigerian politician who disrupted airport operations at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 (Zulu Hall), Lagos, on Wednesday morning.

According to a statement issued by the airline’s management, the incident occurred at approximately 6:10 a.m. when the politician arrived at the terminal for Air Peace flight P47120, scheduled to depart for Abuja at 6:30 a.m.

However, in accordance with the airline’s strict on-time departure policy, boarding had already been concluded, and the flight departed as scheduled.

Upon learning that he had missed his flight, the politician reportedly became aggressive, physically assaulting airline staff and escalating the situation further by forcefully sealing the terminal’s entry gate.

Eyewitnesses confirmed that the individual took control of the access point, preventing other passengers from entering the terminal and causing a major disruption to the day’s flight operations.

“The conduct displayed was not only unacceptable but deeply disappointing, especially given the individual’s public status,” the airline said. “Our personnel were subjected to physical aggression, and other passengers were unjustly delayed by actions that defy civil behaviour.”

Air Peace stated that it promptly activated an operational contingency plan, redirecting affected passengers through an alternative terminal to ensure that their travel plans were not derailed by the unfortunate disruption.

“We are deeply saddened that such a high-profile figure displayed conduct so unbecoming and disruptive to fellow passengers and our personnel,” the statement added.

Reiterating its stance on discipline and accountability, Air Peace affirmed that it operates a zero-tolerance policy regarding violence or aggression against its staff and passengers.

The airline also urged all travellers to remain civil and cooperative, stressing that aviation operations are governed by strict timelines and safety procedures that must be respected by all.

“No individual, no matter how influential, is above the values of discipline, integrity, and respect for due process,” the airline’s management concluded.

The airline has not disclosed the identity of the politician involved, but the incident has since sparked debate among airport users and on social media, with many calling for a formal investigation and possible sanctions.

Air Peace is Nigeria’s largest private airline and has built a reputation for upholding professionalism, punctuality, and safety across its domestic and regional network.