Air Peace Breaks Silence After NSIB Report Indicts Its Top Pilots for Flying Drunk, Under Cannabls
- The NSIB released a preliminary report alleging that two Air Peace pilots flew under the influence of alcohol and cannabls during a Port Harcourt runway incursion
- Air Peace denied receiving official communication of the test results and insisted it maintained strict drug and alcohol policies for its crew
- The airline grounded the captain for breaching flight procedures, while the co-pilot, cleared by NCAA, was reinstated after demonstrating professionalism during the incident
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released its preliminary report, indicting an Air Peace captain and his co-pilot for flying under the influence of alcohol and cannabls during a runway incursion at Port Harcourt International Airport.
The incident occurred on 13 July 2025, when the aircraft, carrying 103 passengers, veered off the runway after landing.
Source: Getty Images
No damage was reported, but toxicology tests carried out on the crew shortly after the incident indicated the presence of alcohol in one pilot and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabls, in another.
The NSIB, in its report signed by Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, stressed that the findings were being reviewed under aviation human performance and safety management protocols.
Air Peace says it has not been officially informed
In response, Air Peace insisted it had yet to receive formal notification from the NSIB on the alleged test results, despite the incident taking place more than a month ago.
As reported by Daily Trust, the airline said in a statement:
“As a responsible airline, we place utmost priority on safety, transparency and compliance. It is important to set the record straight."
The carrier further explained:
“Air Peace conducts frequent alcohol and drug tests on our crew. We have a very strict alcohol use policy that is stricter than the 8 hours before the flight as provided in the regulations. Drug use is a no-no.”
Airline grounds captain but reinstates co-pilot
Air Peace revealed that the captain of the affected flight has been grounded and barred from duty since the incident, not due to a positive test result, but for failing to adhere to Crew Resource Management (CRM) principles and ignoring standard go-around procedures advised by his co-pilot.
The statement continued:
“Contrary to reports in the media, the first officer (co-pilot), who demonstrated professionalism in calling for a go-around to his captain, has been reinstated into active flying duties, with full approval from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The NCAA cleared him. If he was involved in drug or alcohol use, the NCAA would not have cleared him to resume flight duties.”
Commitment to safety and tighter monitoring
Source: Getty Images
The airline admitted that if the captain indeed tested positive, it would have to strengthen its internal safety measures.
“However, if the relieved captain tested positive to the breathalyser test, then we must increase the frequency of our alcohol and drug tests on our crew,” Air Peace stated.
“Again, the importance of Enhanced Crew Resource Management Training cannot be over emphasised. We will intensify strict fitness-for-duty checks and stronger internal monitoring to prevent any breach of our zero-tolerance safety policy.”
Nigeria, Brazil launch direct air connectivity
Legit.ng reported that direct flights between Nigeria and the Federative Republic of Brazil are now possible, thanks to a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) signed by the two nations.
This was stated in a release made in Abuja on Monday by Tunde Moshood, the special adviser on media and communications to Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development. Festus Keyamo, Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and Silvio Costa Filho, Brazil's Minister of Transportation, signed the agreement in Brazil.
Presidents Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil and Bola Tinubu of Nigeria were present during the event.
Source: Legit.ng
