The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja experienced significant disruption on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, after an Allied Air cargo plane skidded off the runway. The incident led to the temporary closure of the airport, causing widespread flight delays and cancellations.
According to reports, the plane, with registration number 5N-JRT, veered off the runway during landing. Fortunately, no casualties were reported among the crew members. However, the incident resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft and the airport’s infrastructure.
The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has confirmed the incident and assured the public that emergency response teams are on the ground to assess the situation and initiate necessary recovery operations.
“The airport emergency response team is on the scene along with accident investigators,” said a statement from FAAN. “The runway is being cleared and is expected to reopen for operations as soon as possible.”
The exact cause of the incident is still under investigation. Aviation experts have suggested that factors such as adverse weather conditions, technical malfunctions, or human error could have contributed to the accident.
The disruption caused by the incident has highlighted the need for enhanced safety measures at Nigerian airports. Experts have called for increased investment in airport infrastructure, rigorous safety audits, and improved training for aviation personnel.
As the investigation into the incident continues, travelers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules and potential disruptions.
