The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and Air Peace are at odds over the findings of a probe into the July 13, 2025 runway excursion involving one of the airline’s aircraft at the Port Harcourt International Airport.

The NSIB, in its preliminary report, alleged that both the pilot and co-pilot tested positive for hard drugs and alcohol after the incident. The aircraft, which veered off the runway on landing, sustained damage but no casualties were recorded. The Bureau said toxicology results raised serious concerns about compliance with aviation safety standards and crew discipline.

However, Air Peace has strongly denied receiving any such official communication from the NSIB more than a month after the incident. In a statement on Friday, the airline insisted that none of its crew members have been officially indicted, stressing that it maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol use, with regular internal screenings stricter than regulatory requirements.

Air Peace disclosed that the captain involved in the incident had been dismissed—not for alleged intoxication—but for failing to follow Crew Resource Management (CRM) procedures and ignoring go-around advice from his co-pilot. Conversely, the first officer, who reportedly urged the captain to go around, was reinstated after being cleared by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

“If he had tested positive for drugs or alcohol, the NCAA would not have cleared him to resume flight duties,” Air Peace said, adding that, should the NSIB’s findings on the captain prove correct, the airline would further tighten its alcohol and drug testing regime.

Both NSIB and Air Peace say the investigation is ongoing. While the Bureau has promised stronger regulatory recommendations to prevent future lapses, the airline has reiterated its commitment to global best practices, enhanced CRM training, and uncompromised passenger safety.