An Air Peace plane carrying prominent human rights advocate Omoyele Sowore and other passengers experienced a malfunction on Monday, September 23, 2024, while landing at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft’s windshield shattered during descent, but fortunately, the flight landed safely at 9:40 am, despite departing Akure in Ondo State at 8:30 am.
Although the flight crew didn’t inform passengers about the incident, sources revealed it caused significant concern within the aviation industry due to its rarity. The incident led Air Peace to cancel its Abuja to Lagos and Akure to Lagos flights.
A staff member from Air Peace, speaking anonymously, clarified that the issue was only a crack, promptly repaired by replacing the windshield.
“It was a crack that was noticed, and, of course, as soon as it was detected, we immediately called for repairs. That’s why we brought in another aircraft to operate that flight.
“It wasn’t a cause for panic. This information was even communicated at the airport.”
“The aircraft had a crack, and I can confirm that it was replaced immediately. Our team flew in from Lagos with an extra windshield, and the repair was done quickly. That same aircraft has flown three flights today.”
“Yes, there might have been a delay in service, but the flight did operate. We replaced the affected aircraft, and it’s now operating other services,” the source added.
When asked about the panic caused by the incident, he said, “Sorry, I think this is an overreaction by some passengers. We informed them that the flight would be delayed due to operational reasons, which were stated clearly. However, you know how people react when given such information.
“The aircraft had a crack, and I can confirm that it was replaced immediately. Our team flew in from Lagos with an extra windshield, and the repair was done quickly. That same aircraft has flown three flights today.”
The aircraft has since operated multiple flights after the repair.
