The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, has been closed following an incident involving an Aerocontractors aircraft that became stuck on the runway. The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, Dr. James Odaudu, confirmed the temporary shutdown in a statement on Sunday.
The Lagos-Abuja flight operated by Aerocontractors landed at the airport but encountered difficulty when attempting to exit the runway, getting stuck in the grass verge. This incident, involving the Boeing 733 with Nationality and Registration Marks 5N-BYQ, took place on Sunday morning.
Passengers were safely disembarked from the aircraft, and fortunately, no casualties were recorded. Dr. James Odaudu stated that the runway would remain closed until the aircraft is successfully towed from the runway.
He highlighted, “The aircraft, upon landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja from Lagos and attempting to exit the runway via A4, had its nose wheel stuck in the grass verge with its fuselage on the runway.”
Consequently, the runway was closed pending the towing of the aircraft. Dr. Odaudu emphasized that there were no injuries or fatalities and requested the general public to provide pictures, videos, or recording evidence to aid in the comprehensive investigation conducted by NSIB.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and operational measures at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. All eyes are now on the authorities as they work to resolve the situation and ensure the airport reopens for safe and efficient air travel.
This unexpected development has once again brought the spotlight on the significance of stringent safety protocols and emergency preparedness in Nigeria’s aviation sector. The closure of Abuja’s primary airport will undoubtedly have implications for travel schedules and the overall aviation landscape in the capital city.
As the aviation community and the public eagerly await the resolution of this situation, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding safety standards to safeguard the well-being of passengers and air transport personnel.
The closure of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, undoubtedly underscores the critical need for comprehensive and swift resolution to the runway incident, ensuring minimal disruption and upholding safety as the top priority.
