The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has addressed concerns over a recent safety violation allegedly committed by Nigerian airline Air Peace at London’s Gatwick Airport. Gatwick authorities reported the violations to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which then passed the report to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
In response to the allegations, the NCAA demanded explanations and corrective actions from Air Peace in a letter to the airline’s CEO. The letter, signed by Capt. O.O. Lawani on behalf of the Director-General of NCAA, referenced a ramp inspection report from May 14, 2024, listing several safety issues identified by the UK CAA.
Reacting to the incident on social media platform X.com, Keyamo expressed confidence in Air Peace and assured that the Nigerian government would support the airline’s international operations. “My attention has been drawn to recent media publications citing some issues allegedly relating to possible safety violations at the Gatwick Airport by Airpeace Airlines raised by safety inspectors of the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority,” Keyamo stated. He affirmed that Air Peace, designated as Nigeria’s flag carrier on the London route, has the full backing of the government.
Keyamo indicated that he had been briefed by the Acting Director General of the NCAA, who assured him that the issues raised by the UK authorities had been addressed satisfactorily by Air Peace. He emphasized the government’s confidence in the safety of Nigerian flag carriers, including Air Peace, and pledged continued support for their international operations.