**Air Peace Flight Returns to Abuja Due to Bird Strike** A recent incident involving Air Peace, one of Nigeria's leading airlines, has raised concerns about safety protocols in the aviation industry. According to a statement issued by the airline, a flight from Abuja to London Heathrow was forced to return to Abuja's Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport shortly after departure on Friday. The reason for the return was a cracked windshield suspected to have been caused by a bird strike. In line with international aviation safety protocols, the pilot in command made the decision to return to base to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. Fortunately, all passengers disembarked safely, and engineers conducted technical checks on the aircraft. Passengers were offered options to continue their journey, either on the same day via a different route or the next day from Abuja. Some passengers were flown free of charge to Lagos to connect their Gatwick service, while others opted to depart the following day from Abuja. Air Peace has come under fire for its handling of the situation, with some claiming that passengers were abandoned or left stranded. However, the airline has refuted these claims, stating that all passengers were properly taken care of and provided with hotel accommodation if needed. The incident has sparked a conversation about the importance of safety protocols in Nigeria's aviation industry. As a major player in the sector, Air Peace has pledged to maintain the highest standards of safety across its domestic and international network. Air Peace has a strong relationship with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and remains committed to regulatory compliance and passenger protection. The airline has expressed gratitude to passengers for their patience and understanding during the disruption and has called out the media for "deliberate bashing" and "persistent hounding" of the airline for unfounded reasons. In conclusion, while the bird strike incident was unfortunate, Air Peace's swift response and commitment to safety protocols have ensured that the situation was handled professionally. As the aviation industry continues to grow in Nigeria, it is essential that airlines prioritize passenger safety and well-being.