Air Peace has confirmed a significant disruption to its operations on Wednesday following an incident at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 (Zulu Hall) in Lagos involving an unnamed prominent Nigerian politician who physically assaulted airline staff and forcefully barricaded the terminal entrance after missing a scheduled flight.
According to an official statement from the airline, the politician arrived at the airport at approximately 06:10 AM for Flight P47120, scheduled to depart Lagos for Abuja at 06:30 AM.
In line with the airline’s standard on-time departure policy, boarding had closed ahead of the scheduled take-off, and the flight departed as planned.
The passenger, upon being informed of the missed flight, became violent. Air Peace said the politician not only physically assaulted its staff but also took extreme measures by sealing the terminal’s entry gate and manning the access point, thereby obstructing other passengers from entering the terminal.
“This unacceptable behavior caused significant disruption to ongoing operations and affected numerous travelers scheduled for various flights,” the airline stated.
In response to the blockade and the operational gridlock created, Air Peace activated an emergency contingency plan by redirecting affected passengers to an alternate terminal, allowing boarding procedures to continue with minimal delay to other scheduled flights.
Air Peace strongly condemned the conduct, emphasizing its zero-tolerance policy for violence or aggression directed at its personnel or passengers.
“We are deeply saddened that such a high-profile figure displayed conduct so unbecoming and disruptive to fellow passengers and our personnel,” the statement read.
The airline urged all passengers to remain civil and cooperative, noting that aviation is governed by strict protocols and timelines that must be adhered to for safety and operational efficiency.
The incident comes at a time when airline operators across Nigeria continue to advocate for improved passenger awareness of aviation regulations, particularly around boarding procedures and departure timelines.
Industry observers have also reiterated the need for accountability and legal consequences for individuals who obstruct airport operations or endanger aviation personnel.
While Air Peace did not disclose the identity of the politician, stakeholders have called for full investigation into the matter to safeguard airport operations and protect airline personnel from future acts of aggression.
The airline reaffirmed its commitment to safe, timely, and professional air travel services across its domestic and international routes.
