A Lagos-bound Air Peace flight was unexpectedly grounded Thursday morning after a bird strike at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The incident occurred just before takeoff, causing temporary panic among passengers.
The flight, initially scheduled to depart at 6:30 a.m., had already taxied on the runway when the bird strike forced the pilot to halt takeoff.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who was on board, described the experience on social media, saying, “While taxing on the runway and just before takeoff, our Air Peace flight from Abuja to Lagos scheduled for 6:30 AM today was stopped forcefully, resulting in panic and screams by some passengers.”
Effiong added, “The captain attributed the incident to a bird strike. We have been deboarded to await either a replacement or repair of the aircraft. Thankfully, whatever happened did not occur after takeoff. It would have been scarier.”
In a prompt response, Air Peace provided a replacement aircraft, allowing passengers to reboard within 30 minutes. However, the incident has raised concerns about bird control measures at the Abuja airport, with passengers questioning the effectiveness of current protocols.
The experience, shared by Effiong and other passengers online, has sparked discussions about airport safety and preventive measures for incidents involving wildlife.
