The Director-General of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Chris Najomo, said Air Peace complied with regulations after a disrupted international service.
Speaking on Tuesday to journalists in Lagos, he said no passenger was abandoned following the incident.
Najomo explained the aircraft landed safely before engineers discovered a bird strike during inspection.
He said the airline immediately contacted Boeing, which advised that the aircraft remain grounded.
He added that all affected passengers were later moved to Hilton London Gatwick hotel, near Gatwick Airport.
“There was no case of abandonment. The passengers were taken care of,” Najomo said.
He noted that his wife travelled on the flight and confirmed the arrangements.
According to him, passengers received updates and options, including hotel accommodation and rebooking assistance.
“Delays and cancellations happen across aviation, and no airline intentionally strands passengers,” he said.
Najomo said criticism of the carrier was unfair after investigators reviewed the circumstances.
He urged Nigerians to support indigenous operators rather than amplify damaging narratives.
Najomo also linked recent disruptions to rising aviation fuel costs and wider geopolitical pressures.
He said several international carriers had reduced routes and cut onboard services to manage expenses.
