An Air Peace aircraft was grounded after hitting a large antelope while taxiing on the runway at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, leading to significant flight delays and cancellations.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed the incident, explaining that the collision resulted in the death of the animal and left the aircraft marked as Aircraft on Ground (AOG), necessitating immediate engineering inspections and repairs. NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, acknowledged the disruption and described such unforeseen wildlife incursions as challenging factors that occasionally impact flight schedules.
“Flights scheduled to operate with this aircraft were naturally disrupted. Engineers are currently assessing and repairing the plane to restore service,” Achimugu said. He also emphasized the airline’s responsibility to communicate transparently with passengers, provide refunds where applicable, and ensure their welfare during the disruption. The NCAA has warned that failure to meet these obligations could result in sanctions against the airline.
A source close to Air Peace said that the incident occurred during landing and that the aircraft was promptly inspected and repaired following standard aviation procedures. “It was not a major issue,” the source noted, aiming to reassure the public about safety and operational readiness.
In response to the incident, the NCAA has pledged to investigate the circumstances surrounding the runway intrusion to enhance wildlife management and prevent future occurrences that could jeopardize flight safety.
