Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace, has reiterated its commitment to passenger safety amid increasing complaints of flight delays and cancellations, insisting that it would not compromise safety for profit or convenience.
In response to a warning from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Air Peace clarified on Friday that no flight is ever cancelled for trivial reasons.
The airline stated that decisions to delay or cancel operations are strictly based on safety protocols, not fleet limitations.
“We do not cancel any flight for the fun of it,” the airline said in a statement. “Safety is and will always remain our cardinal priority.”
The NCAA had earlier expressed concerns over Air Peace’s operational efficiency. Its Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, had urged the airline to enhance its domestic services following rising public dissatisfaction over “chronic flight delays and cancellations.”
Reacting to the call for operational adjustments, Air Peace maintained that it operates within regulatory standards and possesses more aircraft than it deploys for daily flights.
“While we understand the spirit of the NCAA’s recommendation, we must clearly state that Air Peace has more aircraft available than are currently rostered for daily operations,” the airline stated.
The carrier emphasized that delays often stem from factors beyond the control of any airline, such as weather conditions and technical evaluations. It stressed that in such situations, the safety of passengers takes precedence.
“If weather conditions, technical parameters, or operational standards fall short of what is safe, we will not operate that flight,” the management added. “We will never sacrifice safety for convenience, comfort, speed, or profit.”
The airline also expressed empathy for passengers affected by the disruptions, acknowledging the inconvenience but reaffirming that all decisions are made in the interest of protecting lives.
Air Peace concluded by urging the NCAA and the public to understand the realities of airline operations, stating that while it is financially impacted by delays and cancellations, safety can never be compromised.
