Air Peace Grounds Aircraft After Ground Handling Vehicle Collision at Lagos Airport

By The Ameh News
Air Peace has confirmed that one of its Airbus A320 aircraft sustained substantial damage after a baggage conveyor belt operated by a ground handling company collided with one of the aircraft’s engines at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 (MMA1) in Lagos, forcing the aircraft out of service and disrupting scheduled flight operations.
The incident occurred shortly after Flight P47427 arrived safely from Kano and all passengers had disembarked. While no passengers or crew members were injured, the accident has resulted in operational disruptions across the airline’s domestic network.
According to Air Peace, the affected Airbus A320 had been scheduled to operate several flights over the coming days. With the aircraft now declared unserviceable, the airline has begun adjusting its fleet deployment, leading to anticipated delays and possible cancellations on some routes.
How the Incident Happened
Preliminary information indicates that the accident occurred while a baggage conveyor belt belonging to the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) was being positioned beside the aircraft.
According to reports, the conveyor belt operator, identified as Sunday, reportedly slumped while driving the equipment. After he fell from the moving vehicle, the unattended conveyor belt continued moving until it rammed into one of the aircraft’s engines.
The operator was immediately evacuated to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) clinic within the airport, where he is receiving medical attention.
The collision caused extensive damage to the aircraft’s engine, making the aircraft unfit for further operations pending detailed engineering inspection, repairs and regulatory clearance.
Air Peace Apologises to Passengers
In a statement issued by its management, Air Peace expressed regret over the disruption caused by the incident and apologised to affected passengers.
The airline said its operations and customer service teams have been mobilised to minimise inconvenience by providing alternative travel arrangements wherever possible.
“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,” the airline stated.
Air Peace reassured passengers that safety remains the airline’s highest operational priority.
The carrier added that it is collaborating with the relevant ground handling company and aviation authorities to determine the exact cause of the accident and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
“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.”
Operational Impact
The temporary loss of the Airbus A320 is expected to place additional pressure on Air Peace’s domestic operations.
Industry analysts note that when an aircraft suffers engine damage, it typically undergoes extensive technical inspections, replacement of affected components, certification by aviation engineers and regulatory approval before returning to commercial service. Depending on the extent of the damage and availability of replacement parts, repairs could take days or even weeks.
As a result, airlines often modify schedules, deploy substitute aircraft where available and consolidate flights to reduce passenger inconvenience.
Aviation Experts Stress Need for Stronger Ground Safety
Aviation safety experts say while accidents involving airport ground support equipment are relatively rare, they can be costly and significantly disrupt airline operations.
Aviation stakeholder said the incident highlights the importance of continuous health monitoring of personnel operating airside equipment, strict adherence to ramp safety procedures and improved supervision during aircraft turnaround operations.
He noted that airport ground operations require constant vigilance because aircraft engines, fuselage and critical components remain vulnerable while parked.
Another aviation stakeholders, said every airside vehicle operator must undergo periodic medical fitness assessments and recurrent safety training to reduce human-factor-related incidents.
According to him, airlines and ground handling companies should also strengthen emergency response procedures and install additional safety measures capable of stopping moving equipment whenever an operator becomes incapacitated.
Why the Incident Matters
The accident underscores the critical role of ground handling companies in ensuring safe and efficient airline operations.
Although passenger safety was not compromised because the aircraft had completed its flight and passengers had already disembarked, the incident demonstrates how ground handling accidents can have major operational and financial consequences for airlines.
Beyond repair costs, airlines may incur losses from cancelled flights, passenger compensation, schedule disruptions and aircraft downtime.
Investigation Underway
Investigations are ongoing in collaboration with the ground handling company and relevant aviation authorities.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, determine whether additional safety protocols are required and recommend measures to prevent future occurrences.
The airline thanked passengers for their patience and understanding, assuring them that every effort is being made to restore normal flight schedules while maintaining the highest standards of operational safety.
As investigations continue, aviation stakeholders are expected to closely monitor the findings, which could influence future safety procedures governing ground handling operations at Nigeria’s airports.