Operations at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, were brought to a halt on Wednesday after a dramatic incident involving an Allied Air cargo aircraft.
The plane, which reportedly suffered a tyre burst upon landing, skidded off Runway 22, causing panic and disrupting airport activities.
Passengers and staff alike were startled as the aircraft veered off its path, eventually getting stuck near the runway.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, ensuring the situation was quickly managed.
A source at the airport said, “Efforts are ongoing to reopen the runway,” but confirmed that multiple flights were delayed as a result of the disruption.
Despite the dramatic nature of the incident, no injuries were reported among the five individuals on board.
“The five souls on board were safely evacuated and taken to the FAAN clinic for further checks,” a statement from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed.
The Allied Air cargo plane with registration number 5N-JRT landed at 10:05 a.m. before the mishap occurred.
Authorities assured the public that safety protocols were immediately activated to prevent further danger.
Mrs. Obiageli Orah, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, expressed gratitude for the swift response of emergency teams.
She said, “The Airport Emergency response team is on the scene along with accident investigators.”
Mrs. Orah also pleaded for patience, stating, “We would like to thank the aviation community and the general public for their understanding. We request that all speculation be put on hold until the preliminary report is released by the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).”
The airport was temporarily closed to facilitate the towing of the aircraft and the cleaning of the runway.
Passengers at the airport faced long delays as airlines worked to adjust their schedules.
This is not the first time the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport has faced disruptions due to operational challenges.
Earlier in the year, a similar incident involving a private jet caused delays, sparking calls for stricter oversight of runway operations.
Experts say such incidents highlight the need for continuous maintenance of airport infrastructure and regular checks on aircraft before landing and takeoff.
Investigations into the Allied Air cargo plane incident are already underway, with the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) taking the lead.
The bureau is expected to release a preliminary report in the coming days to clarify the cause of the tyre burst and subsequent runway skid.
While operations were expected to resume shortly, the delays impacted travel plans for many passengers, especially those on international flights.
This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by Nigeria’s aviation sector, which has been grappling with infrastructure gaps and safety concerns.
FAAN has reassured Nigerians that it remains committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
Mrs. Orah concluded, “The safety of passengers and airport staff remains our top priority. We are working tirelessly to restore normalcy.”
As authorities work to reopen the runway, passengers and stakeholders are hopeful that lessons will be learned to prevent future disruptions.
