Air Peace has suffered a major operational setback after one of its Airbus A320 aircraft was severely damaged on the ground at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, when a baggage conveyor belt vehicle operated by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) crashed into one of the aircraft’s engines shortly after passengers from Flight P47427 from Kano had safely disembarked.
The airline said the impact left the aircraft completely unserviceable, forcing it out of operation and disrupting scheduled flights across its network.
Air Peace apologised to passengers for the delays and possible cancellations, assuring them that alternative arrangements were being made while investigations into the incident continue.
The carrier reaffirmed that safety remains its highest priority and pledged full cooperation with aviation authorities to determine the cause of the accident and prevent a recurrence.
Reacting to the incident, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said it had already intensified oversight of ramp and ground handling operations through the establishment of a dedicated Ground Handling Safety Oversight Department.
Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Ahmed Abba, described the occurrence as a stark reminder that safety begins on the ground, not just in the air.
He disclosed that the Authority will next week convene a stakeholders’ harmonisation meeting to strengthen regulations, improve ramp safety standards and align Nigeria’s ground handling operations with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) best practices.