An Air Peace flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt was disrupted by a bird strike, prompting safety checks and delays for passengers

An Air Peace flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt was disrupted on Thursday after the aircraft suffered a bird strike upon arrival at Port Harcourt International Airport, airline officials confirmed.

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The airline’s spokesperson, Osifo-Whiskey Efe, said the incident required immediate safety checks on the affected plane.

Another aircraft was deployed to transport passengers on subsequent flights.

“We deeply empathise with passengers affected by this unforeseen incident and are working diligently to minimise disruptions,” Efe stated.

The incident highlights a growing operational challenge for Nigerian airlines.

Air Peace previously reported that between January and September 2025, the airline experienced 49 bird strikes nationwide.

Even a single strike, the company said, could keep an aircraft grounded for weeks.

Allen Onyema, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, says bird strikes pose significant operational and financial challenges, often causing costly repairs and severe flight delays.

“One bird strike could cripple your aircraft for the next month. At that moment, there is no two ways about it. These bird strikes often lead to costly delays and serious disruptions in flight schedules,” Onyema said.

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He noted that such incidents compound broader difficulties facing Nigerian carriers, including heavy taxation and operational constraints, underscoring the need for enhanced safety measures at airports nationwide.