On July 13, 2025, an Air Peace Boeing 737 aircraft (5N-BQQ) was involved in a runway incursion at the Port Harcourt International Airport. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) recently released a preliminary report on the incident, raising concerns about crew decision-making and fitness-for-duty. According to the report, toxicology tests suggested the possible presence of alcohol and cannabis in crew samples. It also noted that the captain ignored the co-pilot’s call for a go-around during an unstable approach, prompting recommendations for stronger Crew Resource Management (CRM) training and stricter internal monitoring of crew fitness.
Air Peace has now issued a response, stressing that it has not yet received the full official NSIB report. The airline confirmed that the captain involved in the incident has been grounded, not for alleged substance use, but for failing to comply with CRM protocols during the flight. It also clarified that the co-pilot, who had called for a go-around, has been reinstated into active duty after clearance by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Reaffirming its commitment to safety, Air Peace emphasized its zero-tolerance policy towards drug and alcohol use among crew members. The airline explained that it already conducts regular drug and alcohol testing for staff and pledged to enhance CRM training and strengthen its internal monitoring systems to ensure that only fit and capable crew members are cleared for duty.
As the aviation industry awaits the release of the full NSIB report, the spotlight remains on safety practices and compliance with international standards. Regulators, including the NCAA, are expected to monitor Air Peace’s adherence to recommendations, while the airline has assured passengers and stakeholders of its dedication to maintaining the highest levels of safety in its operations.
