Abuja runway shuts down as five escape death

Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja was temporarily shut down on Wednesday after an Allied Air cargo aircraft was involved in an incident during landing.

The aircraft, with registration number 5N-JRT, experienced a tyre burst upon landing, causing it to skid off Runway 22. As a result, the aircraft became stuck near the runway, prompting airport authorities to close the area to allow for the aircraft’s removal and necessary safety procedures.

A source at the airport confirmed that efforts are underway to reopen the runway as soon as the aircraft is cleared. “We are currently at the airside where the incident took place, and we are working to reopen the runway as quickly as possible,” the source said.

The incident led to disruptions at the airport, with several flights delayed as the runway is being cleared. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the five crew members and passengers on board the aircraft. They were safely evacuated and taken to the FAAN clinic for routine checks.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) issued a statement providing further details of the incident. FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, confirmed the aircraft’s tyre burst and subsequent skid, stating that the situation is under control. “At 10:05 am on December 11, 2024, an Allied Air Cargo aircraft with five people on board skidded off Runway 22 at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. There were no injuries, and all passengers and crew were safely evacuated.”

 FAAN thanked the public and the aviation community for their patience and understanding while the situation is addressed. “We urge everyone to refrain from speculation until the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) releases its preliminary report,” Orah added.

Airport authorities are optimistic that full operations will resume once the runway is cleared and inspected.