Air Peace aborts flight over false bomb scare

A bomb scare on an Air Peace flight from Abuja to Lagos forced the flight to return to the base on Wednesday’s morning.

The flight departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja for the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos when the crew got information that there was an explosive on board.

A statement issued by the Corporate Communications Manager of the carrier, Mr Chris Iwarah confirmed the incident, saying the operating crew acted professionally and took the decision to return as a precaution.

He attributed the false information to an intending passenger who was denied boarding after the crew suspected that he might be mentally challenged.

In a statement, he said: “We confirm that Air Peace Flight P4 7121, Abuja-Lagos on Wednesday, January 30, 2019, returned to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja after the crew received information that there was a dangerous item on board.

“In line with procedures and our high safety standards, the captain-in-command acted professionally, briefed passengers on board and took the decision to return as a precaution.

“The aircraft landed in Abuja without any incident and passengers disembarked normally to enable security personnel to conduct a check.

“Passengers on board the flight were screened a second time and the aircraft thoroughly checked. At the end of the exercise, the information was found to be a hoax as nothing was found on the aircraft.

“The aircraft was subsequently cleared to depart for Lagos and safely landed at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos at about 11.44 a.m.

“The passenger, who gave the information, has since been taken into custody by security operatives for an exhaustive investigation into the incident.”