Air Peace has warned of flight delays after a NAHCO baggage conveyor vehicle crashed into an Airbus A320 engine at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed Airport.
Air Peace has confirmed that one of its Airbus A320 aircraft was seriously damaged while parked at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 (MMA1) in Lagos.
The accident occurred after a baggage conveyor belt vehicle belonging to the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) collided with one of the aircraft’s engines shortly after passengers from a scheduled domestic flight had safely disembarked.
The airline disclosed that the aircraft had just completed Flight P47427 from Kano when the incident happened during routine post-arrival ground operations.
While all passengers and crew had exited the aircraft without incident, the unexpected collision caused significant damage to the engine, forcing the aircraft out of service.
According to Air Peace, the impact from the conveyor belt vehicle was severe enough to render the aircraft unfit for operations.
Engineers immediately assessed the damage, and the aircraft was declared unserviceable pending repairs and further technical evaluation.
Such incidents often require extensive inspections before an aircraft can safely return to commercial service.
The airline explained that the damaged Airbus A320 had already been scheduled to operate several flights across its domestic network over the coming days.
With the aircraft now unavailable, the airline said adjustments to its fleet will be necessary, a development that could affect travel plans for hundreds of passengers.
As a result, Air Peace warned that some scheduled flights may experience delays, while others could be cancelled entirely depending on aircraft availability.
The company noted that it is actively reorganising flight schedules to reduce the impact on customers and maintain as many planned services as possible.
In a statement issued after the incident, Air Peace apologised to passengers who may experience disruptions because of the unexpected accident.
The airline acknowledged that delays and cancellations can be frustrating, especially for travellers with connecting flights, business engagements or urgent family commitments.
To ease the inconvenience, Air Peace said its customer service and operations teams have been mobilised to assist affected passengers.
The airline added that travellers would receive available alternatives, including possible rebooking options, while efforts continue to restore normal flight operations.
The airline also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards across all aspects of its operations.
It stressed that the safety of passengers, crew members and aircraft remains its foremost priority and that every necessary step would be taken before the damaged aircraft is returned to service.
Air Peace further revealed that it has commenced collaboration with the relevant aviation authorities and the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company to investigate how the incident occurred.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to determine whether there were operational lapses, equipment failure or human error that contributed to the collision.
Ground handling activities are an essential part of airline operations and include aircraft marshalling, baggage loading and unloading, refuelling, catering and aircraft servicing.
Because aircraft engines and fuselage are highly sensitive and extremely expensive to repair, strict safety procedures are normally enforced whenever service vehicles operate close to parked aircraft.
Industry observers say that even relatively low-speed impacts involving ground support equipment can result in substantial financial losses, prolonged maintenance work and disruptions to airline schedules.
Depending on the level of damage, airlines may be forced to ground affected aircraft for days or even weeks while replacement parts are sourced and repairs completed.
Although no injuries were reported during the incident, the damage represents a significant operational setback for Air Peace, particularly at a time when demand for domestic air travel remains high.
The temporary removal of one aircraft from service could place additional pressure on the airline’s fleet and scheduling.
Meanwhile, efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company were unsuccessful.
The company declined to comment publicly on the incident as of the time this report was filed, leaving unanswered questions about the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Aviation analysts believe the findings of the ongoing investigation will be closely watched by regulators and industry stakeholders.
The report could influence future safety procedures for ground handling operations and reinforce the importance of strict compliance with operational guidelines designed to protect aircraft on the ground.
For passengers scheduled to travel with Air Peace in the coming days, the airline has advised them to monitor updates regarding their flights and maintain contact with its customer service channels for the latest travel information.
While the carrier works to minimise disruptions, it has appealed for understanding from customers affected by the unexpected incident.
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