The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has reopened the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos for flight operations, following Tuesday’s incident involving an Air Peace aircraft at the airport.
The General Manager, Public Relations, NAMA, Mr. Khalid Emele, confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday.
Emele said Notice To Airmen (NOTAM) was issued to airlines at 7.oop.m concerning the reopening of the runway which was closed after an Air Peace flight from Port Harcourt made an emergency landing at the airport.
The runway was shut for flight operations at about 11:28a.m after the Boeing 737 Aircraft with registration number 5N-BQO, made a hard landing and lost its nosewheel.
However, the 133 passengers and six crew members on board were safely disembarked by the emergency response agencies.
Earlier, Mr. Akin Olateru, the Commissioner, Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), said the bureau had been notified of the incident and had sent its inspectors to the site.
Olateru said: “The AIB has been notified by Air Peace on July 23 of an accident involving a Boeing 737-300 with registration marks SN-BQO at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 11:28a.m.
“The aircraft, with 133 passengers and six crew members on board, was on approach to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos from Port Harcourt.
“From the information provided, the aircraft nose wheel collapsed on landing on the runway (18R) and the nose wheel gear tire sheared off.
“The AIB was informed of a minor injury, but no fatality. Our team of safety investigators has commenced investigations,” he said.
NAN reports that the closure of the runway had led to flight delays at the MMIA which is the busiest airport in Nigeria.
Tag: Air Peace
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Lagos airport reopens after Air Peace plane incident
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AIB begins probe of Air Peace aircraft accident
Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) on Tuesday said it has begun investigation into the circumstances leading to an Air Peace Boeing 737- 300 that had a burst tyre on land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
There were 133 passengers on board the aircraft which took off from Port Harcourt en route Lagos.
The AIB according to its spokesman, Tunji Oketumbi said the aircraft nose wheel collapsed on landing at Runway 18 Right forcing the gear tyre to shear off.
He said the AIB was informed of the accident by the airline, in which there was a minor injury, but no fatality.
Meanwhile, Air Peace has commended Captain Ajibola and her crew for handling a situation in Lagos Tuesday morning.
“Caption Ajibola noticed sudden weather changes when approaching Lagos and demanded to land on the International runway as it is longer and wider than the domestic runway. After landing safely and rolling to the runway exit, the nose gear developed a problem and partial collapsed.
“The crew notified the airport authorities who quickly ensured the safe disembarking of the passengers via the passenger door.
“We are committed to the safety of our passengers at all time. We will continue to operate in line with international practices and in accordance with regulatory guidelines. We are being assisted by the various authorities to determine to cause of the incident,” the airline said. -
BREAKING: Tragedy averted as Air Peace crash lands in Lagos [Video]
Tragedy was averted on Tuesday as Air Peace airline crash-landed at the local wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
The airline was said to have crash-landed on the runway, but no life was lost.#airpeace on runway 18R Lagos. Thank God no one was hurt. #lagos pic.twitter.com/HpItyEykz2
— Capt. Jamyl MD. Abubakar (@CaptJamyl) July 23, 2019
Although details of the incident are still sketchy, Henrietta Yakubu, spokesperson of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed the incident to this newspaper Tuesday afternoon.
Mrs Yakubu attributed the incident to “faulty landing”, adding that there was no casualty.
“The AIB (Accident Investigation Bureau) officials are there so we are still waiting for the details,” she told newsmen. -
AIB commences probe of Air Peace accident
Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) on Saturday said that it has begun investigation into a serious incident involving an Air Peace Boeing aircraft that skidded off the runway to the left about 1300 meters from the Runway 21 threshold of the Port Harcourt International Airport.
The aircraft was ferrying 94 passengers and six crew members on its flight from Abuja to Port Harcourt.
Spokesman of AIB, Mr Tunji Oketumbi disclosed this in a statement. He said the airline has been notified of the serious incident.
Oketunbi said all passengers and crew members on the aircraft with registration number 5N- BRN were quickly evacuated; even as the AIB has dispatched its investigators to the site of serious incident.
The AIB did not adduce any reason for the incident.
Meanwhile, Air Peace has confirmed the incident involving its aircraft in Port Harcourt, attributing it to runway excursion.
In a statement by its Chief Operating Officer, Mrs Toyin Olajide, the airline said:” We confirm that Air Peace Flight Flight P47291 Abuja-Port Harcourt had a runway excursion upon landing at the Port Harcourt International Airport on June 22 due to heavy downpour.
“Our professional crew quickly recovered within seconds of the incident and the aircraft was successfully normalised.
“Our esteemed passengers on board the flight were calm during the incident and disembarked normally.
“Our teams of experts and the authorities are currently reviewing the incident and we will give our cooperation for a thorough exercise.
“We apologise to our esteemed passengers for the inconvenience caused them and wish to assure them that we will continue to prioritise their safety in all our operations.”
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No bomb on Abuja-Lagos Air Peace flight – FAAN
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has described as a false the alarm the claim that a bomb was planted on an early morning Air Peace flight from Abuja to Lagos on Wednesday.
The General Manager, Corporate Affairs of FAAN, Henrietta Yakubu, made the rebuttal in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
Mrs Yakubu said the passenger, who allegedly raised the alarm, was said to have a history of mental illness.
She said the passenger had been handed over to the security agencies and medical experts for assessment.
“Following the false information, officers of FAAN’s aviation security swiftly evacuated passengers, crew and cargo on board the flight and a bomb squad immediately conducted a thorough check on the aircraft and baggage, which confirmed the information to be false,” she said.
“After due diligence test has been carried out on the aircraft, a fresh boarding call has been made and passengers have boarded the flight for take-off to the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
“FAAN will like to reassure passengers and all airport users that our airports are safe and secure.
“They should carry on their lawful activities without any fear,” she said.
News Agency of Nigeria reports that there was panic in the aircraft on Wednesday morning after a passenger raised an alarm that a bomb was planted in the aircraft.
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Air Peace Lagos-Owerri flight returns to base
Nigerian carrier, Air Peace has disclosed that its Lagos-Owerri Flight 7252 returned to base shortly after take off at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos on Thursday due to a change in cabin pressure.
Mr Chris Iwarah, Corporate Communications Manager, Air Peace, made the confirmation in a statement issued On Friday in Lagos.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an airline is said to ‘return to base’ (where it took off) when there is a noticeable fault during flight.
Iwarah said: “We confirm that Air Peace Lagos-Owerri Flight 7252 on Thursday returned to base after our crew observed that there was a change in cabin pressure.
“In line with our standard operating procedure, the captain-in-command descended to a level where it would be comfortable for our valued guests, before making a return to base in line with global best practices in the aviation industry.”
According to him, upon safely landing in Lagos, the passengers on board, who had remained calm, were quickly transferred to an alternative aircraft and flown to Owerri.
He added that the airline regrets the inconvenience and discomfort caused its guests on board the flight.
Iwarah said: “We wish to assure members of the public that the incident had nothing whatsoever to do with the engines of the aircraft nor was it a life-threatening situation.
“The aircraft has since been thoroughly checked and confirmed serviceable. The aircraft went back into operations in less than an hour after going for maintenance checks.
“Air Peace is renowned for its quality maintenance reputation and we assure members of the flying public that we will continue to sustain the high standards of our flight operations and professionalism to guarantee the safety of our valued guests and crew.” -
Air Peace passengers escapes death as cows take over Akure runway
Several air passengers escaped death in Akure, Ondo State today, as cows took over the runway of the Akure Airport and prevented an Air Peace plane from landing.
It took the combined efforts of the airport security men other aviation staff to clear the runway of the cows before the aircraft registration number 5NBQQ to land more than 20 minutes after.
The pilot, Captain Williams Inyang was said to have contemplated a return to Lagos when it was taking longer than necessary for the runway to be cleared by the airport security.
Palpable fear had enveloped the passengers, who initially thought the pilot deliberately aborted landing, while the pilot had to hover close to 20 minutes.
However, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has apologized to Air Peace Airlines and its passengers for a runway incursion incident that prevented an Akure airport bound flight from landing for some minutes.
The Authority assured travellers and the general public that efforts are already ongoing to close the gap that aided this incident.
Today was not the first time a major airport runway was invaded by cows. The Port Harcourt International Airport runway was sometime ago invaded by cows and an approaching Air France plane collided with some of the cows. The expertise of the pilot saved what would have been a tragic incident as the plane was only slightly damaged with passengers suffering shock.
Also, on November 10, 2016, a fully-loaded plane of Air Peace had to abort landing at Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri, when the pilot discovered that the runway had been invaded by cows.
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Burglary attempt: Air Peace raised false alarm – NCAA
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has declared as false alarm allegations of burglary attempt on the Cargo Hold of Air Peace aircraft at 18 Right runway of the Lagos Airport.
Categorically, the NCAA described the incident as unfounded.
Spokesman of NCAA, Sam Adurogboye disclosed this on Sunday.
According to Adurogboye conclusion was arrived at after the Regulatory Authority reviewed all the reports from the relevant agencies concerning the incident , which proved to be untrue.
According to him, investigations by the regulatory authority, security agencies and other agencies at the Lagos Airport indicated that Air Peace raised a false alarm as the alleged burglary is largely unsubstantiated, unproven and should be discountenanced.
In statement , Adurogboye said : ” Last week, there were reports that the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) of Air Peace Flight no. APK 7138 with Aircraft no. 5N-BUJ had alerted the Lagos Control Tower that the Aircraft’s AFT Cargo Compartment has been opened.
“According to the Pilot in his report to the Tower, he noticed that the Cargo Compartment light came up for 15 seconds and went off. This means someone has opened the compartment’s door.
“The Air Traffic Controller on duty confirmed receiving the report at about 1933hrs (1833GMT).
In line with Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs), Aviation Security personnel were at the Holding Point of Runway 18R monitoring the departure/take off of both Air Peace and Arik Air aircraft.
“The PIC alarm triggered an immediate response. The Escort team overtook the Arik aircraft for a more proximate field look and access to the Air Peace Aircraft.
“On full speed, with the full lights on, no person(s) was found within the vicinity of the aircraft. Importantly, the Arik aircraft which was on queue immediately after the Air Peace aircraft was similarly put on observation at this point.
“The Arik Air aircraft also had its full complement of lights on towards the Air Peace aircraft having being aware of his counterpart’s conversation with the Tower. With benefit of this full view, neither movement nor any sign of person(s) was sighted around the aircraft.”
He further said :” Thereafter the Air Peace PIC requested to taxi back to the Apron at D45 to check if anything had been stolen. In addition, he wanted to clear his doubts that a bomb may have been thrown into the aircraft.
“At D45, the Airport Chief Security called the NPF-EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) team who reported with their equipment at about 2026hrs.
Passengers were disembarked at 2028hrs. The EOD team joined by FAAN’s Aviation Security and Air Peace Security conducted a search on the Cargo compartment and the passenger cabin of the aircraft.
“The search was completed at about 2055hrs and the aircraft was declared safe by the EOD Team leader.
The Air Peace PIC therefore briefed the passengers of the EOD’s all clear decision and that the service shall be operated. All passengers re-boarded and the aircraft was escorted to the holding area for take – off by the Escort teams from FAAN AVSEC and the Military Airside Patrol.
“The flight departed and landed safely at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.”
Meanwhile, passengers last week commended Air Peace flight and cabin crew for their security consciousness and professionalism after suspected thieves opened the cargo hold of Flight 7138 holding for departure on Runway 18R (A1) of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos at about 7.35pm on Thursday.
The passengers praised the pilot-in-command for insisting on thorough security screening of the Abuja-bound flight after the incident.
Corporate Communications Manager of Air Peace, Mr. Chris Iwarah said the carrier’s crew acted in line with the high safety standards of the airline.
In a statement issued on Friday, Iwarah said: “We are sincerely grateful to all our wonderful guests on board Flight 7138 for their support, patience and cooperation throughout the precautionary security checks conducted by Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) squad, Federal Airport Authorities of Nigeria Aviation Security and our security team after suspected thieves opened the cargo hold of our aircraft holding for departure on Runway 18R (A1) of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos at about 7.35pm on Thursday, February 08, 2018.
“Pilot-in-Command, Capt. Adesola Arasi had to contact control tower when he was alerted by the light that came on in the cockpit suggesting that the cargo hold was opened for about 15 seconds and immediately shut.
“In line with our high security standards and the huge value we place on the lives of our guests and crew, Capt. Arasi insisted on having EOD squad check Flight APK 7138 before takeoff to be doubly sure nothing was deposited in the cargo hold by the suspected thieves to endanger the lives of our guests and crew.
“Our guests, who were fully briefed of the development by the pilot-in-command, were advised to disembark from the aircraft and board an Air Peace bus while the joint security operation by EOD, FAAN AVSEC and our security team lasted. The Lagos-Abuja flight was cleared by the security experts after exhaustive screening of the aircraft lasting about 30 minutes.
“The flight eventually took off at 9.30pm and safely landed in Abuja at about 10.23pm. Our satisfied guests commended the professionalism of Capt. Arasi and his team as well as the high safety standards of Air Peace.”
The airline, he assured, would continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of its guests, crew and equipment.
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Suspected thieves open cargo hold of Air Peace aircraft at Lagos airport
Suspected thieves on Thursday night opened the cargo hold of an Air Peace aircraft scheduled for departure at the runway of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The Corporate Communications Manager of Air Peace, Chris Iwarah, said this in a statement on Friday in Lagos.
Mr. Iwarah said the cargo hold of Flight 7138 scheduled for departure on Runway 18R (A1) of the airport was opened by the suspected thieves at about 7.35 p.m.
He said the airline’s passengers praised the captain and cabin crew for their security consciousness and professionalism for insisting on thorough screening of the Abuja-bound flight after the incident.
“We are sincerely grateful to all our wonderful guests on board Flight 7138 for their support, patience and cooperation throughout the precautionary security checks.
“The checks were conducted by Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) squad, Federal Airport Authorities of Nigeria Aviation Security (FAAN AVSEC) and our security team.’’
He said the pilot, Adesola Arasi, had to contact the control tower when he was alerted by the light that came on in the cockpit, indicating that the cargo hold was opened for about 15 seconds, but was immediately shut.
“In line with our high security standards and the huge value we place on the lives of our guests and crew, Arasi insisted on having EOD squad check Flight APK 7138 before takeoff.
“This is to be doubly sure nothing was deposited in the cargo hold by the suspected thieves to endanger the lives of our guests and crew.
“Our guests, who were fully briefed on the development by the pilot-in-command, were advised to disembark from the aircraft and board an Air Peace bus while the joint security operation by EOD, FAAN AVSEC and our security team lasted.
“The Lagos-Abuja flight was cleared by the security experts after exhaustive screening of the aircraft lasting about 30 minutes.
“The flight eventually took off at 9.30 p.m and safely landed in Abuja at about 10.23 p.m.,’’ he said.
Mr. Iwarah assured that Air Peace would continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of its guests, crew and equipment.
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Air Peace lauds FG over repair of Enugu Airport runway
Nigerian carrier, Air Peace, has lauded the Federal Government over the palliative repair work on the runway of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, which began on Thursday.
Mr Chris Iwarah, the Communications Manager, Air Peace, made the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
NAN reports that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had begun work on the runway with the first phase scheduled from Dec.14 to Dec. 21.
FAAN said that the second phase would be from Dec. 27 to Jan. 4, 2018, while the runway would only be operational from 7.00 a.m to 3.00p.m on the proposed dates.
Iwarah said that the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) had issued a Notice to Air Men (NOTAM) to the airline in this regard in line with the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).
He said: “Air Peace is pro-safety and the safety of our passengers is paramount.
“We are commending the Federal Government because that runway in particular has been a problem, because it has been destroying our tyres and causing other problems.
“So, if the government has come out to say they want to fix it, it is something we must all commend.’’
According to him, the airline will still be flying to the Enugu Airport during the period as its morning flights will not be affected by the partial closure of the runway.
“Our morning flights will not be affected, but our 2.00 p.m flight may be affected, especially when there is some slight delays.
“We don’t want to take chances and apart from the morning flights; other flights will go to either Owerri or Port Harcourt.
“We have advised our passengers who have already booked flights to reschedule for free, no matter the fare differences,’’ Iwarah said.