Runway Incident: Air Peace Disputes NSIB Report, Says No Official Findings Received

AIR Peace has denied receiving any official communication from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) regarding its preliminary findings on the 13 July runway incident in Port Harcourt.

In a statement issued on Friday, the airline rejected NSIB’s report released in Lagos, insisting that more than a month after the incident, no formal findings had been shared with the carrier despite immediate post-incident alcohol testing of crew members.

“As a responsible airline, we prioritise safety, transparency, and compliance. It is necessary to set the record straight,” the statement read.

The airline explained that the flight captain involved was grounded for failing to follow Crew Resource Management (CRM) principles, not for a positive alcohol test result, as NSIB has not confirmed such. Meanwhile, the First Officer, who was commended for requesting a go-around, has been reinstated with full clearance from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Air Peace noted that it conducts routine alcohol and drug testing, applying stricter standards than the regulatory eight-hour pre-flight limit. The airline pledged to intensify testing if NSIB later confirms any positive result, while also reinforcing Enhanced Crew Resource Management training, fitness-for-duty checks, and internal monitoring.

The NSIB’s preliminary report had advised the airline to strengthen its CRM practices.