Nigerian airline Air Peace has reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety, stating it will continue to cancel or delay flights when necessary due to safety concerns, in response to warnings from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The airline emphasized that such decisions are not made lightly or “for the fun of it,” prioritizing safety over profit.
In a statement issued on Friday, Air Peace addressed NCAA allegations that it was operating beyond its capacity, leading to frequent flight disruptions. The NCAA’s Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, had urged the airline to improve its domestic operations following public complaints about chronic delays and cancellations, insisting that Air Peace align its routes with available aircraft.
Air Peace refuted claims of fleet shortages, asserting, “We must clearly state that Air Peace has more aircraft available than are currently rostered for daily operations.” The airline clarified that delays and cancellations stem from safety-driven decisions, such as adverse weather, technical issues, or operational standards falling below safe thresholds. “If weather conditions, technical parameters, or operational standards fall short of what is safe, we will not operate that flight,” the statement read.
The airline expressed empathy for passengers affected by disruptions but maintained that safety remains its “cardinal priority.” It added, “We do not regret taking operational decisions rooted in the protection of human lives and in strict adherence to safety standards.”
Air Peace also highlighted the financial losses it incurs from cancellations, stating, “We are often the greater loser financially,” but reiterated that it will “never sacrifice safety for convenience, comfort, speed, or profit.” The airline underscored that any future decisions leading to delays or cancellations will continue to prioritize passenger safety, regardless of external pressures.
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