Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has publicly criticized Air Peace over a prolonged flight delay that stranded passengers, including herself, at London’s Gatwick Airport for hours without food, luggage, or clear communication. The incident, which began around 6:30 AM on Friday, left travelers in distress as the airline failed to deliver promised support, prompting Akindele to speak out on social media. She highlighted the plight of elderly passengers and families who were left exhausted and without essential belongings, demanding immediate action from the airline.
Akindele, known for her blockbuster films and status as one of Nigeria’s highest-grossing filmmakers, was among those affected when her flight was delayed due to a reported bird strike. While such incidents require safety inspections and are not uncommon, passengers were left waiting for hours without updates or assistance. The airline initially promised accommodation, but hours later, no hotel arrangements had been made, and travelers remained stranded at the baggage claim area.
In a series of posts on X, Akindele expressed her frustration, stating, “Air Peace, this is unacceptable.” She detailed how passengers, including elderly individuals, had been waiting since early morning with no proper communication. “After hours of delay, we were told there was a bird strike and promised a hotel. Hours later, people are still sitting at baggage claim hungry, exhausted, and without their bags,” she wrote. She emphasized the emotional and physical toll on vulnerable travelers, noting that some were forced to sit on the floor due to exhaustion and lack of seating.
The actress also criticized the airline for failing to provide basic amenities like food, water, and access to luggage. “We have been here for hours without food or proper communication,” she said. “They promised a hotel, but nothing has happened.” Her posts sparked widespread attention, drawing sympathy from fans and fellow travelers who have experienced similar disruptions.
Air Peace responded directly to Akindele’s complaint on X, expressing regret over the inconvenience. “Dear Funke @funkeakindele, we sincerely empathize with you over this experience and all inconveniences this has caused to your travel plans,” the airline wrote. It acknowledged that safety considerations sometimes affect operations and stressed that delays due to such factors are not intentional. The airline added that its team was working to provide assistance to affected passengers and asked for patience during the resolution process.
Despite the airline’s response, many passengers remained stranded and frustrated, with no clear timeline for departure or accommodation. The incident has raised concerns about passenger care and communication during disruptions, especially for long-haul flights involving Nigerian travelers. As Air Peace works to resolve the situation, the episode underscores the need for better customer support and transparency during operational challenges. The airline’s handling of this incident will likely be closely watched by Nigerian travelers and aviation authorities alike.
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