(Aircraft Damage. Photo Credit: Vanguard News)
Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, has disclosed that one of its Airbus A320 aircraft sustained damage while on the ground at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 (MMA1), Lagos.
The incident occurred after a baggage conveyor belt vehicle operated by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) crashed into the aircraft’s engine shortly after the completion of Flight P47427 from Kano and the safe disembarkation of passengers.
According to the airline, the ground handling equipment tore into the aircraft, rendering it completely unserviceable.
In a statement, Air Peace said: “This unfortunate incident has significantly impacted our operations, as the aircraft was rostered to operate multiple flights within our network over the coming days.
Consequently, several scheduled services will experience delays, while some may regrettably be cancelled as we work to mitigate the disruption through fleet adjustments.
“We sincerely apologise to our esteemed passengers whose travel plans may be affected by this unforeseen ground handling incident.
Our operational and customer service teams are actively working to minimise the inconvenience by providing available alternatives and ensuring that affected passengers receive the necessary assistance.
“At Air Peace, the safety of our passengers, crew, and equipment remains our highest priority.
We are working closely with the relevant ground handling company and aviation authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and prevent a recurrence.”
Attempts to obtain an official response from NAHCO proved unsuccessful, as the company declined to comment on the matter.
However, a source familiar with the situation confirmed that the collision occurred after the operator of the baggage conveyor belt vehicle suffered a medical emergency while on duty.
The source explained: “The staff member, Mr Sunday, slumped while operating the equipment.
The machine then moved forward uncontrollably and hit the aircraft. That is what happened.”
According to the source, the affected staff member was immediately rushed to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
“He is on admission at the FAAN hospital because it was an emergency,” the source added.
Air Peace faces flight disruptions as ground handling equipment damages aircraft
Video Credit : Air Peace // X
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