By Kolawole Ojebisi
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has revealed how Air Peace flight was disrupted as one of the airline planes hit and killed an antelope at Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, on Saturday.
The aviation body said the accident was caused by a large antelope which the plane collided with while taxiing on the runway, causing a damage to the aircraft
This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, Michael Achimugu, on his X account.
“Monitoring reports yesterday indicated that an Air Peace aircraft ran into a large antelope, decimating the animal and leaving the aircraft AOG (aircraft on ground),” Achimugu said.
“As a result, flights meant to be operated by this aircraft would naturally be disrupted, even though engineers are on the ground to assess and fix the plane. Passengers waiting would naturally be infuriated.
“Incidents like this are literal illustrations of the disruptions NOT caused by the airlines (domestic or international).
“This explainer is for illustration purpose, not to excuse airlines when they fail to do their duties to passengers.” he added.
Achimugu, however, maintained that this unfortunate incident does not absolve the airline of its obligations to the stranded passengers
He added that Air Peace owes its passengers information, refunds, and other forms of care they are entitled to, and the airline can face sanctions if it fails to provide these.
Achimugu’s warning was likely prompted by the recent shabby treatment Air Peace allegedly meted out to its customers.
Recall that last week, the NCAA asked Air Peace to address its incessant flight delays and cancellations.
The Director General of NCAA, Chris Najomo, advised the airline to trim its operations to the size of available aircraft to mitigate the crisis.
However, Air Peace said the cancellation and delay of some of its flights is due to safety concerns, dismissing claims of aircraft shortage.
