A recent incident involving an Air Peace flight from Abuja to Asaba has come to light, with reports indicating that the aircraft suffered an engine failure while preparing for take-off at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. According to security expert Zagazola Makama, the incident occurred shortly after the plane had gained speed and was approaching the runway, when a loud blast was heard, accompanied by flashes of light.
The pilot promptly aborted the take-off procedure and safely taxied the aircraft back to the terminal, where all passengers disembarked without any issues. The incident has been disclosed by Makama in a statement released on Friday.
So far, Air Peace has not officially commented on the alleged incident. This latest development follows a preliminary investigation by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) into a runway excursion incident at the Port Harcourt International Airport on June 13, 2025, which reportedly implicated Air Peace pilots.
The NSIB’s investigation had found that the pilots involved in the June 13 incident tested positive for substances after the incident. The details of the current incident, including the cause of the engine failure, are yet to be confirmed by the airline or relevant authorities.
The Nigerian aviation industry has faced several challenges in recent times, including safety concerns and incidents involving major airlines. The Air Peace incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and adherence to safety protocols to prevent such occurrences.
As investigations into the engine failure incident are expected to commence, the airline’s silence on the matter has raised questions about transparency and communication. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing passenger safety and the need for prompt and clear communication from airlines in the event of such incidents.
