Funke Akindele, others stranded at London airport over Air Peace flight delay

Nollywood filmmaker, Funke Akindele has called out Air Peace after passengers, including elderly travellers, were stranded at London’s Gatwick Airport for nearly 10 hours without their luggage, hotel accommodation or clear communication from the airline.

Akindele took to X on Friday to demand immediate action from the airline.

She said passengers had been waiting since 6:30am with no proper updates after being told a bird strike had caused the delay.

“Air Peace, this is unacceptable. Passengers (including elderly people) have been stranded since 6:30am at London Gatwick Airport 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.

The filmmaker said elderly passengers were struggling and families were worn out.

She demanded the airline release the luggage and provide the hotel it had promised.

In a second post published alongside a video of the current situation, Akindele said the situation had not improved.

“Air Peace, what is going on? Since 7am at London Gatwick Airport and it’s almost 4pm — no bags, no hotel, no proper updates. “Passengers are stranded. People are tired and hungry. Release the luggage and take care of your passengers NOW,” she wrote.

Air Peace responded to her first post, expressing empathy and attributing the disruption to factors beyond its control.

“Such actions are never intentional as we prioritise safety and operational efficiency, and while we strive for on-time departures, certain factors beyond our control can sometimes cause delays,” the airline said.

It added that its team was working to provide all affected passengers with adequate assistance and urged them to bear with it.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no confirmation from either party that the luggage had been released or that hotel accommodation had been provided.