Air Peace has announced disruptions to its flight operations after experiencing three bird strikes within a 24-hour period, leading to the grounding of the affected aircraft for safety inspections and maintenance.
The airline said it is assisting affected passengers with rescheduling and alternative travel arrangements.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by Air Peace’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo.
The first incident occurred on Thursday, forcing the aircraft to return to base.
Two additional aircraft suffered bird strikes earlier today, leading to their grounding for safety inspections and maintenance.
Air Peace stated that the three aircraft affected by recent bird strikes are currently undergoing comprehensive safety checks to ensure they meet the highest standards before returning to service.
“Air Peace regrets to inform the flying public of unexpected disruptions to our flight operations caused by multiple bird strike incidents affecting three of our aircraft within the last 24 hours,” the statement read in part.
It added, “Our team is actively reaching out to affected passengers to provide necessary assistance, including rescheduling and alternative travel arrangements where possible.”
Air Peace has acknowledged the impact of the recent bird strike incidents on passengers’ travel plans and has urged customers to exercise patience and understanding during this period.
Bird strikes are a well-known aviation hazard, often occurring during takeoff, landing, or low-altitude flight when aircraft pass through bird-populated areas. These incidents can damage engines, windshields, or other critical components, potentially affecting flight safety.
To mitigate risks, airports implement various bird control measures, including habitat management, bird-scaring techniques, and specialized equipment.
Recall on December 29, 2024, Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, a Boeing 737-800 en route from Bangkok to Muan International Airport in South Korea, experienced a catastrophic accident during landing.
The aircraft attempted a belly landing without deploying its landing gear, overshot the runway, and collided with a concrete barrier, resulting in a fireball upon impact.
Tragically, 179 of the 181 individuals on board perished; the two survivors, both crew members seated in the tail section, sustained significant injuries.
Investigators say they have found evidence of a bird strike on the passenger plane.
