By Onewave News – September 2, 2025
Air Peace Limited has formally responded to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau’s (NSIB) preliminary report on the runway incursion involving its Boeing B737-524 aircraft (registration 5N-BQQ), which overshot the runway during landing at the Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport, Port Harcourt, on July 13, 2025.
The NSIB report suggested that cockpit and cabin crew members may have consumed illicit substances, including alcohol and cannabis, after initial toxicological tests. It also issued safety recommendations urging Air Peace to strengthen Crew Resource Management (CRM) training, particularly in handling unstabilised approaches and go-around decisions, as well as enhancing crew fitness-for-duty monitoring.
In a statement released by its management, Air Peace emphasised that the airline has not received any official communication from NSIB regarding these findings, despite the toxicology tests being conducted shortly after the incident.
The airline confirmed that the Captain of the flight has been grounded indefinitely, not due to drug or alcohol use but for failing to adhere to CRM principles and ignoring his co-pilot’s go-around recommendation. Air Peace stressed that safety remains its top priority, highlighting its strict alcohol and drug policy, which exceeds regulatory standards.
The statement further clarified that the First Officer, who acted professionally by calling for a go-around, has been reinstated into active flying duties with full clearance from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Air Peace pledged to intensify crew alcohol and drug testing, strengthen internal monitoring, and expand CRM training. The carrier reassured passengers and the public of its unwavering commitment to safety and transparency, underscoring its record of adherence to global best practices.
