Air Peace Defends Safety Decision After Actress Funke Akindele’s Criticism Of Gatwick Flight Delay

Air Peace has defended its handling of a disrupted London–Lagos flight after Nollywood star Funke Akindele accused the airline of poor passenger care at Gatwick Airport.

In a statement released on Friday, the airline attributed the delay to a bird strike, stating that the aircraft was immediately grounded for mandatory safety inspections by its engineering team in London.

While acknowledging the inconvenience caused, Air Peace insisted that its actions were guided strictly by safety considerations.

“Air Peace remains unwavering in its commitment to the highest standards of safety and operational excellence,” the airline said.

The statement followed Akindele’s public outcry on social media, where she alleged that passengers — including elderly individuals — were left stranded for hours without proper communication, hotel accommodation, or access to luggage.

Her comments quickly drew attention to the airline’s crisis response, raising questions about whether passengers were adequately supported in line with international aviation standards.

Air Peace, however, maintained that affected travellers had been informed of the next steps, though it did not provide specific details on compensation or accommodation.

Aviation analysts noted that while bird strikes are classified as unforeseen operational hazards, airlines are still expected to meet minimum care obligations, including timely updates and welfare support for delayed passengers.

The incident underscored the growing scrutiny airlines face in balancing safety imperatives with customer service expectations, particularly on high-profile international routes.