Air Peace has announced disruptions to its flight operations after one of its Airbus A320 aircraft was damaged by ground handling equipment at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 (MMA1) in Lagos.
The airline said the incident occurred shortly after Flight P47427 arrived from Kano and passengers had safely disembarked, when a baggage conveyor belt vehicle operated by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) collided with the aircraft’s engine.
According to Air Peace, the impact left the aircraft “totally unserviceable,” forcing adjustments to its flight schedule and affecting operations across its network in the coming days.
The airline apologised to passengers for the inconvenience, noting that some flights would experience delays while others could be cancelled as it reallocates aircraft to minimise operational disruptions.
Air Peace said its operations and customer service teams are working to provide alternative travel arrangements for affected passengers while efforts continue to restore normal flight operations.
The airline also disclosed that it is working with NAHCO and relevant aviation authorities to investigate the incident and prevent a recurrence, stressing that the safety of passengers and crew remains its highest priority.
Although NAHCO had not issued an official response at the time of the report, a source familiar with the incident said the accident occurred after the operator of the baggage conveyor belt vehicle reportedly suffered a medical emergency while on duty.
According to the source, the operator, identified as Mr. Sunday, reportedly slumped while operating the equipment, causing the vehicle to move uncontrollably and crash into the aircraft’s engine.
The source added that the operator was immediately taken to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Hospital, where he is receiving medical treatment and remains under observation.
