Air Peace Reacts as NSIB Says Crew Tested Positive for Alcohol, Cannabis

Air Peace Airlines has responded to revelations by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) that members of its flight crew tested positive for alcohol and cannabis following a July 13 incident in Port Harcourt. The airline said it was yet to receive any formal communication from the Bureau on the matter and expressed surprise that such information was made public without direct engagement.

The incident involved a Boeing 737-524 aircraft carrying 103 passengers from Lagos, which landed long on runway 21 at Port Harcourt International Airport after an unstabilised final approach. Although no injuries were reported, toxicology tests later confirmed alcohol in the system of some crew members and traces of cannabis in a cabin attendant.

In its reaction, Air Peace stressed that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy on drug use and enforces alcohol restrictions that are even stricter than international aviation standards. The airline noted that its operational guidelines forbid crew members from consuming alcohol within 12 hours before any flight, going beyond the common eight-hour limit.

The management also reiterated its commitment to transparency and passenger safety, assuring that it cooperates fully with regulatory authorities on all safety matters. It added that disciplinary measures against any breach of its policies are decisive and uncompromising.

Air Peace said it awaits the Bureau’s final report and will continue to strengthen its internal checks to prevent any recurrence, reaffirming that passenger trust and safety remain its top priorities.