Air Peace has reported a disruption to its Lagos–Port Harcourt flight following a bird strike incident recorded on Thursday.
In a statement, the airline said the incident occurred upon the aircraft’s arrival at the Port Harcourt International Airport, necessitating immediate safety checks on the affected aircraft.
Spokesperson for Air Peace, Osifo-Whiskey Efe, said the airline promptly deployed another aircraft to operate subsequent flights on the route in order to minimise inconvenience to passengers.
“We deeply empathise with passengers affected by this unforeseen incident and are working diligently to minimise disruptions,” Efe said.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has repeatedly described bird strikes as a major operational challenge for airlines in Nigeria, noting that the incidents often result in costly repairs and significant disruptions to flight schedules.
“One bird strike could cripple your aircraft for the next month. At that moment, there is no two ways about it. These bird strikes often lead to costly delays and serious disruptions in flight schedules,” Onyema said.
Air Peace had previously disclosed in December 2025 that it recorded 49 bird strike incidents across Nigeria between January and September of the same year. The airline stressed that even a single bird strike could ground an aircraft for weeks, with far-reaching implications for operations and passenger movement.
The airline reiterated its commitment to passenger safety, noting that affected aircraft are only returned to service after thorough inspections and clearance by relevant aviation authorities.
