There was mild tension as an Allied Air Cargo aircraft on Wednesday suffered a tyre burst, causing it to skid on Runway 22 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Wednesday.
The incident was said to have caused major disruptions, as several departures were delayed and authorities worked to clear the affected runway.
Five people were on board the aircraft, which is registered 5N-JRT, according to a statement from the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
According to FAAN spokesperson Obiageli Orah, the passengers were saved and brought to the hospital for treatment.
She clarified that in the wake of the incident, the runway has been temporarily closed by the airport.
“At 10:05 am on December 11, 2024, an Allied Air Cargo aircraft with registration number 5N-JRT skidded off Runway 22 at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja with five souls on board with no reported injury. They were all safely evacuated and taken to the FAN clinic for further checks,” the statement read.
According to the reports, the Airport Emergency response team is on the scene along with accident investigators; the runway was being cleared and is expected to reopen for operations as soon as possible.”
The agency also appreciated the aviation community and the general public for their understanding and patience.
Read the full statement below:
“Cargo Airplane Skids-Off Runway, Crew Members Evacuated
“At 10:05am on December 11, 2024, an Allied Air Cargo aircraft with registration number 5N-JRT skidded off Runway 22 at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja with five (5) souls on board with no reported injury. They were all safely evacuated and taken to the FAAN clinic for further checks.
“The Airport Emergency response team is on the scene along with accident investigators.
“The runway is being cleared and is expected to reopen for operations as soon as possible. We would like to thank the aviation community and the general public for their understanding and patience.
“We also request that all speculation be put on hold until the preliminary report is released by the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
“Mrs. Obiageli Orah
“Director, Public Affairs & Consumer Protection.”
