The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released its preliminary report, indicting an Air Peace captain and his co-pilot for flying under the influence of alcohol and cannabis during a runway incursion at Port Harcourt International Airport.

The incident occurred on 13 July 2025, when the aircraft, carrying 103 passengers, veered off the runway after landing.

No damage was reported, but toxicology tests carried out on the crew shortly after the incident indicated the presence of alcohol in one pilot and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis, in another.

The NSIB, in its report signed by Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, stressed that the findings were being reviewed under aviation human performance and safety management protocols.

Air Peace says it has not been officially informed

In response, Air Peace insisted it had yet to receive formal notification from the NSIB on the alleged test results, despite the incident taking place more than a month ago.

As reported by Daily Trust, the airline said in a statement:

“As a responsible airline, we place utmost priority on safety, transparency and compliance. It is important to set the record straight."

The carrier further explained:

“Air Peace conducts frequent alcohol and drug tests on our crew. We have a very strict alcohol use policy that is stricter than the 8 hours before the flight as provided in the regulations. Drug use is a no-no.”

Airline grounds captain but reinstates co-pilot

Air Peace revealed that the captain of the affected flight has been grounded and barred from duty since the incident, not due to a positive test result, but for failing to adhere to Crew Resource Management (CRM) principles and ignoring standard go-around procedures advised by his co-pilot.

The statement continued:

“Contrary to reports in the media, the first officer (co-pilot), who demonstrated professionalism in calling for a go-around to his captain, has been reinstated into active flying duties, with full approval from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The NCAA cleared him. If he was involved in drug or alcohol use, the NCAA would not have cleared him to resume flight duties.”

Commitment to safety and tighter monitoring

The airline admitted that if the captain indeed tested positive, it would have to strengthen its internal safety measures.

“However, if the relieved captain tested positive to the breathalyser test, then we must increase the frequency of our alcohol and drug tests on our crew,” Air Peace stated.

“Again, the importance of Enhanced Crew Resource Management Training cannot be over emphasised. We will intensify strict fitness-for-duty checks and stronger internal monitoring to prevent any breach of our zero-tolerance safety policy.”