By Joy Yesufu
An Air Peace aircraft operating Flight P47190 from Lagos to Port Harcourt veered slightly off the runway after landing at the Port Harcourt International Airport on Sunday morning.
In a statement issued by the airline’s spokesperson, Osifo-Whiskey Efe, the airline confirmed that the aircraft experienced what it described as a “runway excursion” shortly after touchdown. The incident, however, resulted in no casualties or damage.
“All passengers disembarked safely and calmly. No injuries were reported,” the airline stated, reassuring the public of its continued commitment to the highest standards of operational safety.
The aircraft was said to have exited the runway without significant deviation or technical damage. The airline did not disclose the cause of the incident but affirmed that necessary investigations would be conducted.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is yet to issue an official comment on the incident.
This latest occurrence comes just weeks after another Air Peace aircraft was grounded at the Asaba International Airport on May 11 following a collision with a large antelope during taxiing. The animal was killed on impact, leading to temporary flight disruptions at the airport.
At the time, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, clarified that while wildlife strikes are largely outside the control of airlines, carriers must still meet their obligations to passengers.
The Port Harcourt incident is expected to prompt another round of safety assessments at Nigerian airports, particularly concerning runway maintenance and environmental monitoring.
