A Nigerian cargo aircraft skidded off the runway at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Wednesday, sparking concerns but leaving all crew members unharmed. The incident, involving an Allied Air cargo plane, occurred early in the morning and temporarily disrupted airport operations.
According to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the aircraft veered off runway 22 while attempting to land. “In the morning on December 11, 2024, an Allied Air cargo aircraft … skidded off runway 22 at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja with five souls on board and no reported injury,” FAAN’s statement confirmed. Emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the scene.
The airport’s emergency services, bolstered by reinforcements from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), quickly contained the situation. NEMA reported that all five crew members onboard were safely evacuated without injury.
“The prompt response of airport emergency services ensured the safety of the crew and prevented further escalation of the incident,” NEMA’s spokesperson said. “All crew members were accounted for, and no injuries were recorded.”
Despite the safe evacuation, the aircraft sustained considerable damage, as noted by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), which has launched a formal inquiry into the incident.
“The aircraft sustained significant damage,” an NSIB representative confirmed. While the extent of the damage has yet to be fully assessed, authorities assured the public that a comprehensive investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident and prevent future occurrences.
The immediate aftermath of the incident saw runway 22 temporarily closed to ensure safety and allow for the aircraft’s removal. The brief closure led to minor disruptions to scheduled flights, with authorities working swiftly to resume normal operations. By mid-morning, the runway was declared clear, and flights at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport resumed without further delays.
“The safety of passengers and airport operations remains our utmost priority,” FAAN stated. “We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of airlines and passengers during the brief disruption.”
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), tasked with probing aviation incidents, has commenced a detailed investigation into the cause of the runway excursion. The bureau will analyze flight data, weather conditions, and other critical factors to ascertain what led to the incident. Preliminary findings are expected to guide future safety protocols at the airport and across the country’s aviation sector.
Runway excursions—instances when aircraft stray off or overshoot a runway—are considered serious incidents in global aviation safety. Contributing factors can range from adverse weather conditions to technical malfunctions or human error. Experts suggest that thorough investigations and adherence to international safety standards remain key to minimizing such occurrences.
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja is one of Nigeria’s busiest aviation hubs, serving both domestic and international flights. As a critical gateway for commerce and connectivity, maintaining high safety standards is a top priority for Nigerian aviation authorities. The airport has undergone recent upgrades to improve infrastructure, and incidents such as this highlight the importance of continual investment in safety systems and staff training.
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