Air Peace condemns disruption of operations by unnamed prominent politician

The management of Air Peace has condemned the unruly display of a prominent politician who disrupted airport operations on the morning of Wednesday, June 11, 2025. 

According to a statement on Wednesday, Air Peace explained that the unnamed politician arrived at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 (Zulu Hall) at approximately 06:10 am for Flight P47120 scheduled to depart Lagos for Abuja at 06:30 am. The airline added that as per its “standard one-time departure policy”, the boarding process had closed

After the flight departed as scheduled, Air Peace said that the politician resorted to violence, physically assaulting its staff and forcefully barricading the terminal’s entrance upon being informed of the missed flight.

“He went as far as sealing the entry gate and manning the access point, effectively obstructing other passengers from gaining entry into the terminal,” the airline said.

Air Peace stressed that the unacceptable behaviour caused significant disruption to its operations and affected numerous travellers scheduled for other flights.

To minimise further inconvenience, the airline explained that it activated an operational contingency plan to board affected passengers through an alternate terminal and ensure the continuity of various travel plans.

“We are deeply saddened that such a high-profile figure displayed conduct so unbecoming and disruptive to fellow passengers and our personnel. Air Peace maintains a zero-tolerance stance on violence or any form of aggression against our staff and passengers,” Air Peace said.

While condemning the unruly action, the airline further urged all guests to remain responsible and cooperative with its rules. It noted that aviation operations are guided by strict timelines and safety protocols. 

Air Peace also reinstates its commitment to upholding such standards while delivering safe and timely services to the Nigerian society.

“Air Peace continues to stand for discipline, integrity, and respect for due process. No individual, no matter how influential, is above these values,” it added.

Also Read: Air Peace: Strategies to gain competitive advantage in the battle for the skies.

Background of the Air Peace saga 

In a circulating video on X (formerly Twitter), it was disclosed that the alleged disruption was orchestrated by the former Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. It added that the politician locked the terminal gate of the MMA 1 Zulu terminal because he came late by 06:20 am and missed an Air Peace 6:30 am Lagos to Abuja flight that departed on time.

The actions left intending passengers on other scheduled flights stranded, where Air Peace had to use another terminal to operate other flights because of his action.

While the development has sparked a renewed conversation about the abusive use of power among Nigerian leaders, it further spells the weight of societal and operational rules on every individual, regardless of their status.

Social media reaction

Nigerians have also reacted to the incident by strongly condemning the unruly act.

An X user, @Wale_A3, praised the airline for its courageous display. “This is bold and I’m excited by it. Well done Air Peace. Many other companies would have simply unlocked for the fear of political retribution.”

Another, @Wilkyfaith167, said, “This can happen only in Nigeria where some people think they’re the god of other people just because they are in  power.”

@SenatorAndre predicted the possibility of a repeated action from the politician. “Y’all  should have treated him as you  will handle the average Nigerian, cos he’s a prominent politician doesn’t make him above the law. I’m sure this wouldn’t be his last.”

Meanwhile, other users called out on Air Peace for ongoing activities that caused guests inconvenience, such as delayed flights.

A user, @Oludarrey, said:

“Well, I don’t support the behavior of the politician. However, flight companies take advantage of us a lot. They will delay flights, repeatedly postpone flight times, and make people miss appointments but will close boarding and refuse passengers even 20 mins to flight time.”

Also, @Nne_ezi questioned the airline’s operational inconsistency.

“Air peace so you can release press statement for an unruly behavior. How many times have you released statements when you disappoint your travellers… whatever Oshiomole did today is as a result of your inconsistency to your customers.”