- Safiu Kehinde
Nigerian-based commercial airline, Air Peace, has suspended its scheduled Lagos-London flight over what it considered a ‘minor’ fault on aircraft.
The airline halted the Gatwick-bound flight slated to take-off in the early hours of Saturday following the discovery of a minor fault on the aircraft after completion of passenger boarding.
As announced in a statement issued by the airline’s management, the service was withdrawn in compliance to safety and global aviation standards.
The passengers, according to the statement, have since been disembarked and lodged in a hotel following the disruption of their scheduled flight.
“Air Peace wishes to sincerely inform our valued passengers and the general public of a temporary disruption to today’s scheduled Lagos–London Gatwick service.
“Following the completion of passenger boarding, a routine post-boarding technical check identified a minor aircraft fault that required immediate attention.
“In line with our uncompromising commitment to safety and global aviation standards, the aircraft was promptly withdrawn from service and passengers safely disembarked.
“All affected passengers were immediately informed and provided with support, including hotel accommodation and other necessary assistance to ensure their comfort.” The statement partly read.
While reiterating its commitment to safety and wellbeing of its passengers and crew, Air Peace said a replacement aircraft is on its way to carry out the flight.
“At Air Peace, the safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew will always take precedence over operational schedules.
“While we understand the inconvenience this situation may have caused, taking swift preventive action was the responsible and necessary decision.
“To minimise further disruption, a replacement aircraft from London will be dispatched and passengers are scheduled to depart this morning.” The airline wrote.