The Gatwick-to-Lagos route has turned into a scene of major frustration today, Friday, May 1, 2026, as Nollywood superstar Funke Akindele and dozens of other passengers were left stranded for over 10 hours at London’s Gatwick Airport.
The filmmaker took to social media to “call out” Air Peace after a bird strike allegedly grounded their flight, leaving travelers in a state of exhaustion and confusion.
The Timeline of the Crisis
According to Funke Akindele’s real-time updates on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, the situation escalated throughout the day:
- Early Start, No Finish: Passengers reportedly arrived at the airport as early as 6:30 AM for a morning departure, only to be told the flight was delayed.
- The “Bird Strike” Explanation: Air Peace officials informed passengers that the delay was due to a bird strike involving the aircraft, a technical issue beyond the airline’s immediate control.
- No Bags, No Hotel: By 4:00 PM, Akindele revealed that despite hours of waiting, passengers were still stuck at the baggage claim area without their luggage, food, or confirmed hotel accommodations.
- “Unacceptable” Treatment: In a viral video, the actress highlighted the plight of elderly passengers and families with young children, stating, “People are tired and hungry… Release the luggage and take care of your passengers NOW.”
Air Peace Under Fire
This incident adds to a string of recent challenges for the Nigerian carrier on its high-profile London route:
- Communication Breakdown: The core of the complaint from Akindele and other passengers was the lack of “proper updates,” with many claiming they were left in the dark for hours while sitting on the airport floor.
- Operational Strains: While bird strikes are legitimate safety concerns, the delay has reignited discussions about the airline’s “ground infrastructure” and its ability to provide immediate support to passengers during international disruptions.
- The “Aviation Fuel” Context: Earlier this week (April 25), Air Peace had already warned of potential schedule changes due to an ongoing Jet A1 fuel crisis, though this specific London delay is being blamed on technical bird strike damage.
