BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Air Peace has dismissed as false and misleading a recent report by Sahara Reporters claiming that its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Allen Onyema, was stranded for over 24 hours at the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport due to the absence of navigational aids.
The airline described the publication as a deliberate distortion of facts designed to misinform the public and tarnish its reputation.
In a statement issued by Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, Head of Corporate Communications, Air Peace clarified that Dr. Onyema’s scheduled departure from Ekiti was delayed solely due to unfavorable weather conditions.
Heavy rainfall and poor visibility had made it impossible for the aircraft assigned to pick him up to land safely, prompting the flight to return to Lagos in accordance with standard global aviation safety procedures.
The airline emphasized that such rerouting is a routine occurrence in aviation and does not indicate any deficiency on the part of the airport or the airline.
Air Peace also refuted the claim that its pilot had to take a risky maneuver to leave the airport, dismissing the allegation as an outright fabrication.
It reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to international safety standards and stated that at no point was any Air Peace flight involved in unsafe operations.
The airline described the report’s insinuation of a breach of aviation safety protocols as reckless and irresponsible, stressing that safety remains the foundation of all its operations.
Expressing disappointment over what it described as sensational and misleading journalism, Air Peace accused Sahara Reporters of deliberately publishing falsehoods despite being aware of the actual sequence of events.
The airline stated that such misrepresentation not only misleads the public but also attempts to damage the reputation of Nigeria’s leading airline, which has consistently prioritized passenger safety and operational excellence.
Reaffirming its commitment to upholding the highest aviation standards, Air Peace assured passengers and the public that it remains steadfast in delivering safe and efficient services.
The airline urged media organizations to verify facts before publication, emphasizing the importance of responsible journalism in fostering accurate and constructive discourse within Nigeria’s aviation industry.
