By Joy Odor | Abuja
The Senate has cleared Air Peace Airlines of any wrongdoing in the July 13 runway overshoot at Port Harcourt International Airport, declaring the incident a routine aviation occurrence and urging Nigerians to maintain confidence in the country’s air safety record.
The verdict followed a tense investigative hearing of the Senate Committee on Aviation, chaired by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), where Air Peace Chairman, Mr. Allen Onyema, appeared alongside officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Though aviation regulators confirmed that investigations into the incident remain ongoing, the committee’s post-hearing resolution effectively exonerated the carrier, describing earlier public reactions as “unfounded and capable of hurting Nigeria’s aviation image.”
“Our review found no evidence of mechanical failure, pilot intoxication, or negligence,” Senator Buhari said. “What matters is that no lives were lost, the aircraft was intact, and passengers were safely evacuated. We must build confidence, not destroy the reputation of our own airlines.”
The Senate held a one-hour closed-door session with Onyema and the regulators before reaching its conclusion.
Onyema, who initially challenged the framing of the hearing’s title, said he honoured the Senate’s invitation out of respect but cautioned against sensational reporting on aviation incidents.
“Runway overshoots happen globally. The aircraft was airworthy, no mechanical issue, no intoxication. Our pilot has nearly 40 years of flying experience, he simply had a bad day,” Onyema said. “Air Peace remains one of the safest airlines in the world.”
FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, confirmed that all 96 passengers and seven crew members on board were safely evacuated, stressing that the runway was only briefly closed as a safety measure.
“There were no injuries and no damage to the aircraft. Our emergency team acted swiftly in line with international standards,” she said.
While NSIB noted that its final report was still in progress, the Senate Committee expressed full confidence in the integrity of Nigeria’s aviation oversight system, urging the public and media to avoid narratives that could deter investor confidence or undermine domestic carriers.
“Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines are national assets, we must protect them,” Senator Buhari added. “International observers are watching how we handle these issues. We must speak responsibly to promote our aviation brand.”
The Committee also encouraged Nigerians, including public officials, to patronize local airlines to strengthen the domestic aviation industry and ensure continued safety investments.
The Senate’s declaration marks a major boost for Air Peace’s reputation after weeks of speculation following the Port Harcourt runway overshoot.
It also sets a precedent for more measured communication between regulators, lawmakers, and the media in managing aviation safety narratives.
