Boxing Day Ground Incident Damages Air Peace’s New Jet, Disrupts Nine Flights
Operations at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, were disrupted on Friday, Boxing Day, after a ground handling mishap involving a newly delivered Air Peace aircraft led to the grounding of the jet and affected multiple scheduled flights.
The incident involved a brand-new Embraer 195-E2 aircraft belonging to Air Peace Limited, registered 5N-BYH, which was scheduled to operate Flight P47750 from Lagos to Accra. Aviation sources disclosed that the disruption occurred after passengers had boarded and the aircraft was preparing for departure.
According to preliminary reports, a luggage conveyor belt vehicle operated by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) struck the aircraft’s engine while manoeuvring on the apron.
The collision reportedly caused visible damage to the Thrust Reverser Cowling, an external engine component, resulting in a dent and tear that necessitated the immediate withdrawal of the aircraft from service.
Following the impact, safety procedures were activated and all passengers already seated on board were asked to disembark. The aircraft was subsequently grounded pending a detailed technical inspection to determine the extent of the damage and the repairs required.
Airport sources confirmed that the Embraer 195-E2 had been scheduled to operate nine flights throughout the day. Its unavailability triggered a ripple effect across Air Peace’s network, with several flights delayed or cancelled, forcing passengers to be re-accommodated on alternative services.
The aircraft involved is part of Air Peace’s latest fleet expansion aimed at strengthening its regional operations and improving operational efficiency. Industry analysts noted that damage to a new-generation aircraft is particularly costly, especially when engine components are involved.
Engine-related repairs on modern commercial jets are known to be capital-intensive. Earlier in the year, a similar engine cowling damage incident reportedly cost Air Peace approximately $3.5 million, highlighting the financial risks airlines face from ground handling accidents.
The incident has renewed concerns within the aviation sector over ramp safety and ground handling standards at Nigeria’s major airports. Experts have repeatedly pointed to challenges such as ageing equipment, inadequate training, and lapses in adherence to standard operating procedures as contributing factors to recurring ground incidents.
While no injuries were reported, investigations are expected to be carried out to establish the precise circumstances surrounding the collision, including the condition of the equipment used and the level of compliance with safety regulations.
Industry stakeholders stress that preventing such avoidable incidents is critical to maintaining operational reliability and passenger confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
