Four days after an Air Peace Boeing 737- 300 made emergency landing at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Pilot – in – Command of the flight , Captain Simisola Ajibola on Saturday broke silence on the matter debunking claims that she landed the airplane without tyres.
Ajibola who spoke with The Nation in an interview on Saturday said the tyre of the aircraft only pulled off after the nose wheel of the aircraft collapsed following hard landing.
She said the clarification was imperative because of different versions of the incident making the round.
Affirming that the tyre pulled off , after the aircraft touched down at the international runway of the Lagos Airport.
Ajibola said :“We had a very serviceable aircraft. Our aircraft are machines that are well maintained. It wasn’t the first flight of that day. When we flew the aircraft it was perfectly in good shape.
“The report about initial landing without tyres is not true. The incident happened after we touched down. I didn’t go into the air without tyres, we were not on a decent without tyres. Some reports say we called for emergency while in the air and that is not true. It was after we landed we asked for emergency services. So whatever happened, happened on the runway that day.”
Meanwhile, the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has commenced probe into the incident .
Its spokesman, Tunji Oketunbi said the bureau will soon release a preliminary report on the matter.
Oketunbi said : “It is a cumbersome process. Some components have been retrieved from the airline to help with the investigation. So it will take some time but we are doing everything possible to ensure the report is out sooner than expected.”
Tag: Lagos Airport
-
Air Peace pilot opens up on emergency landing at Lagos Airport
-
Lagos airport reopens after Air Peace plane incident
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. -
FAAN reveals identity, nationality of Lagos Airport stowaway
The Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Captain Rabiu Hamisu Yadudu on Saturday in Kano revealed the identity of the stowaway that climbed the Azman Airline at Murtala Mohammed International Airport as Nigerien-born Usman Adamu.
According to him, FAAN has launched thorough to investigation which warranted the suspension of four staff, with a view to ascertain the remote and immediate causes of the security breach, adding that, “With regards to the identified suspect, investigation is ongoing to ascertain his intent, be it criminal or not and his mental/psychological state.”
Briefing Reporters at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in reaction to the incident, Yadudu said, “the suspect, identified as Usman Adamu suspectedly of Nigerien origin, and who claimed to be residing at No 1 Araromi Street , Iyana Ipaja on the 19th July, 2019 was reported to have appeared at the domestic end of the taxi way and attempted to gain access to the aircraft, while it was taxing to the holding point.”
According to him, “the pilot alerted the Air traffic control and the message was intercepted by the Aviation Security control monitoring centre who mobilized the patrol teams to the incident. He was apprehended, detained and is currently with the Airport Police Command, as our investigation progresses.”
The FAAN, Managing Director, however, admitted that, “the FAAN authority considers this incident a serious security breach and an Airside incursion. This is unfortunate and most embarrassing bearing in mind the huge effort and resources dedicated to the maintenance of the integrity of Airside and Airport safety.
“We do understand that the security wheel is ever revolving with new and emerging threats daily and we have been working with all our stakeholders and the regulatory agency (NCAA) in addressing our living security challenges.”
The FAAN boss recalled that the same suspect had been arrested before in the same airport, pointing out that, “the patrol security team arrested the same suspect on the night of Sunday the 14th of July 2019 within the Airport premises.”
He added that, “his profile pictures were taken and he was subsequently evacuated out of the Airport to a very far location in accordance with our standard procedure. We are now reviewing this procedure in the light of this incident.”
Yadudu noted that, “at the conclusion of this investigation, all officers who are found negligent in the discharge of their assigned duties shall be held fully accountable.”
He, however, Yadudu said FAAN assures the travelling public that security measures would be scaled up at the airports across the country so as to forestall future occurrence. -
US Embassy wants FAAN to provide mobility access in Lagos Airport
The United States Embassy, has urged the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), to link the international and domestic terminals of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, to facilitate transit of passengers.
Mr Michael Carney, Deputy Economic Councilor, US Embassy, made the call when he visited the Managing Director of FAAN, Mr Hamisu Yadudu on Thursday, in Abuja.
Carney said that the current arrangement, where transit international passengers would have to struggle to access the domestic terminal before flying to other destinations, was not good for its personnel.
He urged the authority to take urgent action to address the situation, adding that the embassy was ready to provide technical support to FAAN, if called upon.
According to him, the airport transfer in Lagos was not effective and convenient for travellers.
The councilor said it was especially cumbersome, to take another private transport in order to move from one terminal to another.
He, therefore, advised FAAN to provide authorised vehicle for the transfer of passengers between terminals at the airport.
“At US Embassy, we have many people who want to travel to Nigeria and often times they would want to combine trips.
“Some may be coming from South Africa, some from Uganda and different places. But my point is this; Abuja is very limited in the number of international flights.
“Trying to work schedules out is not as convenient as trying to get people to Lagos.
“The problem is that US government is not going to allow its personnel to go on public transport and find their way on public travel, to get away to Abuja.
“It is not going to happen for obvious reasons.
“Our request is that, if there are ways in which FAAN can mobilise transport between the various terminals, behind the secured parameter, to facilitate transfers of passengers even if they have to wait for an hour, it is okay.
“There should be some sort of route in which the bus can move from one terminal to the next.
“I just want to put the request to you, that at least it is in the interest of the country to facilitate passenger traffic, especially in Lagos, where you have the highest number of flights and passengers.
“But particularly for US government, we will directly benefit from that because we need to facilitate travels for our personnel who travel to Nigeria,” he said.
While responding, FAAN MD, Yadudu, assured the delegation that the authority had a plan to construct a short monorail, between the domestic and international terminals.
He said that the authority nevertheless, also had plans to do something as a palliative before such major project would be executed to facilitate passenger movements at the airport.
According to him, such development would make the airport more attractive to passengers because FAAN is for passengers and stakeholders.
Yadudu pledged that FAAN would take urgent steps to address the challenge.
“I am guaranteeing you that we will sit down and go through this, ahead of the completion of the expanded terminal.
“Ahead of the completion of the building, let us see how we can connect the airports, even if it is a shuttle service using luxury buses and create proper routes for them, where they can embark and disembark.
“In the next two months, we will keep you updated in case we might need some kinds of technical advice from you since you have the experience,” he said.
Yadudu also informed the delegation that the government had developed a plan on how to remodel the existing terminal when it moved operations to the new terminal.
He also pledged to always assist the US diplomatic staff and personnel in Abuja, for easy facilitation and visa, on arrival processes.
According to him, Nigeria is committed to keeping to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards for safety and security in and around the airports.
He called on the officials to always endeavour to adhere to standard procedures at the airport.
-
FAAN to temporarily redirect arrival vehicular movements at Lagos Airport Monday
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says vehicular movements on the arrival floor of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos will be redirected effective 8:00 a.m. on November 26, due to ongoing construction works.
FAAN made the announcement in a statement signed by its General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Henrietta Yakubu, in Lagos on Friday.
Mrs Yakubu said the construction was aimed at enhancing facilitation and improving travel experience at the nation’s busiest airport.
She said: “To this effect, a temporary Arrival Pick Up Zone in the old car park (opposite the terminal building), will be opened.
“Consequently, arriving passengers will, as usual, exit the halls through Arrival Gate D but will no longer be able to turn left, as the left axis will be closed, due to construction.
“All passengers after exiting from Arrival Gate D, will now turn right and proceed to the old car park (opposite the terminal building), where a temporary pick up zone has been created.’’
Mr Yakubu noted that to ensure seamless vehicular movement as this phase of the construction was going on, FAAN had already mobilised relevant security agencies to assist in ensuring improved landside facilitation.
“While we appeal to all airport users to cooperate with the security agencies on ground and ensure compliance to driving/parking rules, we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause them,’’ she said.
-
Flights, business activities resume at Lagos airport
Flight operations and business activities on Friday resumed at the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2 (MMA2), Lagos, following the suspension of the industrial action against the terminal owners by aviation unions.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the unions had on Thursday night, called off their two-day industrial action against Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), following the signing of an agreement by the union leaders and BASL.
The agreement was brokered by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and airport security agencies who intervened in the dispute between the two parties.
A copy of the agreement which was signed by Ola Azeez, Group Head, Human Resources and Rodger Whittle, Group Executive Director, on behalf of BASL, showed that the company acceded to the demands of the unions.
“Staff of BASL are free (as they have always been) to exercise their right at association by indicating their willingness to join any of the aviation unions.
“The management shall deduct and remit check-off dues as required by law.
“The 27 members of the union who were laid off shall be recalled without loss of pay or service and deployed to where their services are required within the Resort Group.
“Thereafter the company intends to declare them redundant and is willing to discuss their redundancy benefits with the unions in accordance with Section 20 of the Labour Act.
“We hope that the union shall appreciate the olive leaf being offered by BASL and accept same with a view to ending this imbroglio,” BASL said in the document obtained by NAN.
NAN observed that staffers of airlines, banks, food court as well as travellers were seen carrying out their businesses without any harassment from union members.
Kingsley Ezenwa, Media and Communications Manager, Dana Air, also confirmed the airline’s resumption of flights at the MMA2, which is Nigeria’s only privately owned terminal.
Mr Ezenwa said: “We have resumed flights from MMA2 following the agreement reached by MMA2 and the aviation unions.
”We thank the management of BASL, operators of MMA2 for considering the economic implications and for putting national interest first in resolving the industrial action.
”We also wish to thank our teeming guests for their total understanding and cooperation in the course of our temporary relocation to the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) and we hope to continue offering the best of our services which we have come to be known for.”
NAN reports the unions had since the early hours of Wednesday embarked on the protest over the alleged sack of 27 employees who indicated interest to unionise by BASL.
The unions are: The Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE).
Despite a subsisting court order issued by Justice I. N Buba of a Federal High Court in Lagos restraining them from the action, the unions had shut down flights and business activities at the MMA2.
Airlines affected by the action included Arik Air, Medview Airline, Azman Air, Max Air, Dana Air and Aero Contractors who operate flights from the terminal.
The airlines were forced to temporarily move their passenger boarding and processing to the GAT, operated by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) during the two-day protest by union. -
FAAN test-run upgraded safety scanner at Lagos Airport
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has carried out a test-run on an upgraded baggage scanner machine that could detect explosives, narcotics and other prohibited items at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The Managing Director of FAAN, Mr Saleh Dunoma while speaking at the event on Wednesday, said it was aimed at boosting safety and security at the airport. Also Read; Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Recruitment Update
Dunoma said that the interest of FAAN was to make sure the airports are safe and secure, protect lives and provide machines of immense benefits to airlines and all stakeholders.
“This scanner is intended to complement the Executive Order recently issued by the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and also assist the operations of other agencies at the airport, making them more efficient.
“Our intent is to deploy these scanners to our international airports but this depends on the outcome of its performance in Lagos,” he said.
Dunoma said that FAAN was committed to putting all necessary measures in place in line with international aviation standards and recommended best practices to enhance safety and security at the airports.
Also speaking, the supplier of the machine, Mr Akin Mustapha, said it was an Astrophysics Baggage Scanner which was manufactured in California, USA.
According to him, it would identify hidden threats in carry-on items and checked-in baggage at airports, and has high penetration steel and could detect explosives and narcotics.
Mustapha said:” It has six colour generations and that enables it to do a proper analysis of objects that go into it, better than others. It is highly reliable and very sensitive.
“In other airports around the world, they are taking away other machines and replacing them with this machine (Astrophysics) for upgrade and efficiency.
“With superior image quality and innovative features including six colour imaging for increased object, identification and screen assistance for automatic programmable detection.
“Astrophysics provides operators with the advanced tools required for quick and reliable airport screening”, he said
Recall that TheNewsGuru.com last week investigated and reported that the manual baggage checking counter had been completely removed in compliance with Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo’s order.
TheNewsGuru.com reports that the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, had on Thursday, May 18 signed three far-reaching executive orders expected to ease business, fast-track budget submission and promote made in Nigeria products.
-
Tension as two Air Peace planes collide at Lagos Airport
Pandemonium broke out at the Muritala Muhammed Airport on Thursday when two aircraft belonging to Air Peace were grounded after they collided on the departure ramp.
One of the aircraft, a Boeing 737 with the registration mark 5N-BQR, was being towed for departure, before it made contact with the stabiliser of another Air Peace B737 aircraft with the registration mark 5N-BQP.
Spokesman for the airline, Chris Iwarah, confirmed the incident in a statement.
“The points of contact of the two aircraft were only slightly impacted, but we took the cautious decision to declare them unserviceable to enable a proper investigation of the incident,” Mr. Iwarah said.
“There were no passengers on the two aircraft involved in the incident. We have also revised our flight schedule to cater to our esteemed guests on the 14 sectors the two aircraft were scheduled to service today.
“At the moment, everything is working according to plan and our engineers have already begun repair of the aircraft.”
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has already commenced investigations into the incident, while the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has also been notified.
-
German national dies after slumping at Lagos airport
A German national, Mr Brenard Christo, who slumped on Friday at the General Aviation Terminal of the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, has died at an undisclosed hospital.
The spokesman for the Lagos Airport Police Command, DSP Joseph Alabi, confirmed the death of the German to newsmen on Saturday.
Alabi said the deceased was waiting to board a local Arik Air flight on Friday morning when he suddenly collapsed.
He said medical personnel attached to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) rushed to the scene to assist the German citizen and was eventually taken to a hospital where he later passed on.
Mr Simon Tumba, the media consultant to Arik Air, also confirmed the development.
In his words:“What happened was that a passenger en route Benin, when he was boarding had slumped.
“And Arik being a responsible carrier promptly contacted the medical team from FAAN, who took him to the hospital where he later died. ”
NAn