Again, Air Peace Lagos-London flight disrupted over enroute access issue

A privately-owned Nigerian airline, Air Peace, has experienced a temporary disruption involving its scheduled Lagos–London Gatwick service.

This is the third time in two weeks that Air Peace has experienced a flight disruption on the London route. The first was on 1 May 2026, when one of its aircraft suffered a bird strike. The airline also had a minor aircraft fault on the same route on 9 May 2026.

Confirming the most recent incident, Air Peace disclosed in a statement on Thursday that the flight experienced an operational challenge linked to enroute access issues involving the airspace authorities of an African country during the journey to London.

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The development necessitated immediate operational clarification with the relevant aviation authorities.

The statement, titled “Flight Operations Update”, reads: “Air Peace wishes to inform the flying public that its scheduled Lagos–London Gatwick service of 13 May 2026 experienced an operational disruption following enroute access issues involving the airspace authorities of an African country.”

“As a result of the development and the need for immediate operational clarification with the relevant authorities, the aircraft safely returned to Lagos in accordance with established international aviation procedures.”

“Consequently, the London Gatwick service was rescheduled while the matter was being resolved. Affected passengers were promptly informed of the situation, while care arrangements, including communication updates, support services, and necessary assistance, were provided for their convenience.”

“Air Peace sincerely apologises to all affected passengers for the inconvenience caused by the unforeseen disruption which was beyond our control,” the airline stated.