Air Peace has provided clarification regarding the delay experienced by passengers on its Benin to Abuja flight, P47171, on Friday.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Head of Corporate Communications, Ejike Ndiulo, the airline explained that the delay occurred due to turbulence brought about by rough weather conditions, including thunderstorms, as the aircraft approached Abuja.
The airline noted that the crew immediately followed standard aviation safety procedures to ensure the safety of everyone onboard.
According to Ndiulo, “our crew activated appropriate safety protocols and held in a holding pattern until weather conditions improved.”
Many passengers had taken to social media after the incident, expressing concerns that the aircraft seemed to remain in the air much longer than expected before landing. This led to questions and worries among some travelers, prompting Air Peace to issue a formal clarification.
According to aviation experts, when an aircraft is placed in a holding pattern, it means the plane has been instructed to circle a designated area while awaiting permission from air traffic control to continue towards landing.
This is usually necessary when there are challenges like bad weather, congestion at the airport, or other operational reasons that could compromise a safe landing.
In simple terms, a holding pattern serves as a safe waiting zone in the sky where aircraft can hover until it is safe to proceed.
The airline further noted, “We are pleased to confirm that the aircraft landed safely and the passengers disembarked normally. Air Peace is unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the highest standards of safety across all our operations.”
Air Peace also reassured its customers that the safety of its passengers and crew remains a top priority. The airline encouraged travelers to continue trusting their services, stating that it will always put the safety and well-being of everyone above all else.
The carrier concluded by thanking passengers for their patience and understanding during the delay, emphasizing that every decision made during the flight was with the utmost regard for safety.
