Passengers Recount Terrifying Air Peace Flight as Severe Turbulence Forces Return to Lagos

By Emeka Henry Obi

October 3, 2026

Passengers aboard an Air Peace flight from Lagos to Kano have recounted terrifying moments after severe weather conditions and heavy rainfall forced the aircraft to abandon its landing attempt and return to Lagos.

One of the passengers, Adegbenga Olusegun Fehintola, described the experience as frightening, saying what was expected to be a routine one-hour, 15-minute journey eventually lasted about three hours and 30 minutes.

The flight departed from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, for Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano but reportedly encountered difficult weather conditions while approaching its destination.

Fehintola said the aircraft encountered heavy rainfall around Kano, prompting the pilot to assess the conditions before attempting to land.

He further claimed that about 70 per cent of the runway lights at the Kano airport had reportedly gone off, making the landing more difficult and forcing the pilot to abort the approach and return to Lagos.

According to him, however, the most frightening part of the journey occurred during the return flight when the aircraft encountered severe turbulence around what he believed to be the Kaduna axis.

Fehintola described one particularly frightening moment as a “free fall”, saying the aircraft appeared to descend suddenly as the pilot navigated through or around thick clouds.

The sudden movement was followed by what he described as violent shaking and intense vibrations inside the aircraft.

He claimed that a woman seated directly in front of him was thrown out of the aircraft's lavatory during the turbulence.

According to Fehintola, the woman eventually returned to her seat in tears and remained quiet for the rest of the journey.

He said the mood among passengers changed dramatically as the turbulence intensified.

While some passengers had initially laughed and joked when the turbulence was relatively mild during the approach to Kano, Fehintola said panic spread when the conditions became more severe.

“People screamed,” he recalled, adding that two passengers reportedly passed out, while about three others allegedly lost control of their bladders.

Passengers were also said to have held firmly onto their seats and prayed as the aircraft navigated the turbulent weather on its journey back to Lagos.

Fehintola noted that the most severe turbulence occurred about 15 minutes after passengers were informed that the aircraft would return to Lagos, rather than during the initial approach to Kano.

Despite the frightening experience, the Air Peace aircraft eventually landed safely at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

Reflecting on the incident, Fehintola said the experience gave him a renewed appreciation for life and highlighted the vulnerability of air travellers when confronted with severe weather conditions at cruising altitude.

“Yesterday’s flight reminded me that no matter how much we plan, there are moments when all we can do is trust God,” he said.

He expressed gratitude that the passengers eventually returned safely to the ground and encouraged other travellers to share their experiences of severe turbulence during air travel.