Air Peace Grounds Captain After Port Harcourt Incident, Reinstates Co-Pilot

Nigeria’s largest carrier, Air Peace, says it has grounded the captain involved in the recent incident at the Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport, Omagwa, Port Harcourt, following preliminary findings by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

The NSIB disclosed that early toxicology tests on the crew of the Boeing 737-524 aircraft (registration 5N-BQQ) indicated traces of alcohol in the captain, while a cabin crew member tested positive for THC, the psychoactive substance in cannabis.

In response, Air Peace clarified that the captain was removed from duty not for alcohol use but for failing to observe Crew Resource Management (CRM) principles and disregarding standard go-around procedures, despite his co-pilot’s advice. The airline stressed that NSIB has not formally communicated any toxicology results to it.

The airline also reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy, noting:

“We have a very strict alcohol use policy that is stricter than the regulatory eight hours before flight. Drug use is an absolute no-go.”

Air Peace further announced that the First Officer, who displayed professionalism by advising a go-around during the flight, has been reinstated with full clearance from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The management emphasized its commitment to safety, saying it will intensify fitness-for-duty checks, enhanced crew training, and stronger internal monitoring to uphold global aviation standards.

“Air Peace has consistently maintained a strong safety record and strictly implements global best practices. Safety will never be compromised,” the airline assured passengers and the public.

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