Air Peace Clarifies Captain’s Suspension After Port Harcourt Incident, Denies Alcohol Claims

Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline, has issued a detailed response to the preliminary report released by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) regarding the runway incident involving one of its flights at Port Harcourt International Airport on July 13, 2025. The airline’s statement aims to address widespread media speculation and reinforce its unwavering commitment to safety and regulatory compliance within Nigeria’s aviation sector.

According to Air Peace, the captain at the centre of the incident was immediately relieved of his duties following the event. The airline clarified that this action was not due to a confirmed positive alcohol test, as some reports have suggested, but rather as a direct consequence of the captain’s “failure to adhere to Crew Resource Management (CRM) principles and for disregarding standard go-around procedures as advised by his co-pilot”.

This distinction is crucial, as it underscores the airline’s focus on procedural discipline and operational safety, rather than substance-related misconduct.

Air Peace further stated that, despite the circulation of the NSIB’s preliminary findings in the media, the airline has not received any official communication from the bureau regarding the results of its investigation, even more than a month after the incident occurred [[2]](https://independent.ng/air-peace-refutes-media-reports-on-nsib-preliminary-findings-reaffirms-commitment-to-safety/). This lack of direct notification has contributed to confusion and speculation within the industry and among the travelling public.

Addressing the status of the flight crew, Air Peace confirmed that the First Officer (co-pilot) has been fully reinstated into active flying duties with the approval of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The airline highlighted the co-pilot’s professionalism in calling for a go-around during the incident and emphasized that the NCAA’s clearance for the co-pilot’s return to duty would not have been granted if there were any concerns about substance use or fitness for duty.

Contrary to some media reports, Air Peace categorically denied that either the captain or the co-pilot had tested positive for alcohol or other substances following the incident. The airline explained that it was not officially informed of the breathalyzer test results conducted on the crew less than an hour after the event. Air Peace maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy on drugs and enforces an alcohol use policy that exceeds regulatory requirements, underscoring its commitment to the highest standards of crew fitness and passenger safety.

In its statement, Air Peace pledged to increase the frequency of alcohol and drug testing for its crew members should the NSIB’s official findings confirm any positive test results. The airline also committed to intensifying its fitness-for-duty checks, enhancing Crew Resource Management training, and strengthening internal monitoring systems to prevent any future safety breaches. These measures are designed to reassure both the public and industry stakeholders of Air Peace’s dedication to maintaining a robust safety culture.

The airline’s swift and decisive response to the incident, including the grounding of the captain and the transparent communication of its actions, reflects a broader trend within Africa’s aviation sector towards greater accountability and adherence to international best practices. Air Peace’s approach demonstrates the importance of clear operational protocols and the value of empowering crew members—such as the co-pilot in this case—to speak up and act decisively in the interest of safety.

For African aviation professionals, the incident and its aftermath serve as a reminder of the critical role that Crew Resource Management and procedural compliance play in ensuring safe operations. The case also highlights the need for timely and transparent communication between regulatory bodies, airlines, and the public, especially in the wake of high-profile incidents that attract significant media attention.

Air Peace concluded its statement by reaffirming that safety remains its utmost priority and that it will never compromise on its strong safety record or its adherence to global best practices. The airline’s proactive stance and willingness to implement additional safeguards underscore its commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence within Nigeria’s—and Africa’s—dynamic aviation landscape.