Air Peace has announced disruptions to its flight schedule after one of its Airbus A320 aircraft was damaged on the ground at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 (MMA1), Lagos.
The airline said the incident occurred when a baggage conveyor belt vehicle operated by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) crashed into the aircraft’s engine shortly after Flight P47427 arrived from Kano and passengers had safely disembarked.
According to Air Peace, the impact left the aircraft “totally unserviceable,” disrupting its scheduled roster of flights across the airline’s network in the coming days.
The airline apologised to affected passengers, saying some flights would be delayed while others may be cancelled as it adjusts its fleet to manage the fallout. It added that its operations and customer service teams were working to minimise inconvenience and provide alternative arrangements for affected travellers.
Air Peace said it was collaborating with the ground handling company and aviation authorities to investigate the incident and prevent future occurrences, stressing that passenger and crew safety remained its top priority.
NAHCO did not respond to requests for comment.
However, a source familiar with the incident told Vanguard that the crash occurred after the vehicle’s operator suffered a medical emergency while on duty. The source identified the operator as Mr Sunday, who reportedly slumped at the controls, causing the equipment to move uncontrollably and strike the aircraft.
The operator was rushed to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) hospital, where he is receiving treatment. The source confirmed he remains on admission following the emergency.
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