By An Air Peace Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft experienced a windshield crack while landing at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Monday morning, airline officials confirmed. The flight, which departed from Akure in Ondo State at 8:30 am, landed safely at 9:40 am despite the incident.
Among the passengers was prominent human rights advocate Omoyele Sowore, who was traveling to Abuja for a scheduled court appearance. The incident, while alarming, did not result in any injuries or further complications.
An Air Peace staff member, speaking on condition of anonymity, provided details to SaharaReporters: “It was a crack that was noticed, and, of course, as soon as it was detected, we immediately called for repairs. That’s why we brought in another aircraft to operate that flight.”
The airline representative emphasized that the situation was swiftly addressed. “Our team flew in from Lagos with a replacement windshield, and the aircraft has been flying since. I believe it’s still in operation now,” the source stated.
According to the airline, the incident occurred early Monday morning and was promptly rectified. The same aircraft reportedly conducted three flights later in the day after repairs were completed.
The occurrence sparked concern within the aviation industry due to the rarity of such events. However, Air Peace maintains that the situation was handled professionally and in accordance with safety protocols.
Following the incident, Air Peace reportedly cancelled its Abuja to Lagos flight and a planned Akure to Lagos flight, likely to accommodate the necessary repairs and aircraft replacement.
Efforts by SaharaReporters to reach officials at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) for comment were unsuccessful. Mrs. Ijeoma Nwosu-Igbo, FAAN General Manager of Public Affairs and Protocol and Passages, stated she was not authorized to comment on the matter.
The Air Peace source insisted that passengers were informed of a delay due to operational reasons, though acknowledged that such information often causes concern among travelers. “Sorry, I think this is an overreaction by some passengers. We informed them that the flight would be delayed due to operational reasons, which were stated clearly,” the source explained.
Saharareporters.com
