Air Peace refutes NSIB’s claims on pilot substance use in Port Harcourt runway incident, stating it received no official findings from the bureau

Air Peace runway incident claims have come under scrutiny after the airline stated it has not received any formal communication from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) regarding its Port Harcourt runway overrun on 13 July.

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In a statement released Friday, Air Peace responded to the NSIB’s preliminary report, which alleged that toxicology tests conducted on the crew of flight 5N-BQQ, a Boeing 737-524, revealed traces of alcohol and cannabis.

According to the airline, no official notification of such findings has been delivered more than one month after the incident.

Air Peace stressed that crew breathalyser tests were conducted within an hour of the event, yet no results have been shared directly with the airline to date.

“To date, we have never received any official communications from the NSIB on such findings,” Air Peace said in its statement.

The airline added that the flight captain was dismissed for procedural failings, specifically disregarding standard go-around protocols, and not for any alleged drug or alcohol abuse.

Air Peace reiterated its zero-tolerance safety policy, noting that it conducts frequent alcohol and drug testing in line with, and often exceeding, regulatory requirements.

“We have a very strict alcohol and drug use policy that is stricter than the 8 hours before flight provided in the regulations,” the statement added.

The airline clarified that while the captain was dismissed, the First Officer, who had advised a go-around during the landing attempt, has been fully reinstated after clearance from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

In its response, Air Peace challenged the timing and manner in which the NSIB’s report was released, calling for transparency and due process in the sharing of sensitive safety information.

“If the sacked captain tested positive to the breathalyser test, then we must increase the frequency of our alcohol and drug tests on our crew,” the airline said, signalling readiness to strengthen internal controls.

Air Peace also pledged to intensify its Crew Resource Management (CRM) training and Fitness-for-Duty checks, ensuring that all operations remain compliant with global aviation safety standards.

The airline highlighted its continued commitment to maintaining its strong safety record, urging the public to remain confident in its operations.