Air Peace Grounds New Embraer Jet After Ground Handling Mishap At Lagos Airport

According to Ireporter Online, flight operations involving a newly acquired Embraer 195-E2 aircraft operated by Air Peace Limited were disrupted on Boxing Day after the aircraft was grounded due to a ground handling incident at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The incident occurred shortly after passengers had boarded the aircraft, which was scheduled to operate Flight P47750 from Lagos to Accra. Air Peace disclosed that a luggage conveyor belt vehicle reportedly operated by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) collided with one of the aircraft’s engines while it was stationary on the ground.

The airline explained that the impact resulted in visible damage to the engine, including a dent and tear on the thrust reverser cowling. As a safety precaution, the aircraft, registered as 5N-BYH, was immediately withdrawn from service to allow for a comprehensive technical assessment.

Following the collision, passengers already on board were asked to disembark, leading to delays and operational challenges across the airline’s network. Aviation sources confirmed that no fewer than nine scheduled flights assigned to the aircraft for the day were affected, with several passengers stranded or rebooked on alternative flights.

Industry insiders noted that the Embraer 195-E2 involved in the incident is among the airline’s newest additions, making the damage particularly significant. Beyond passenger inconvenience, the grounding is expected to have financial implications, as engine-related repairs on modern aircraft are known to be capital-intensive.

Earlier this year, Air Peace reportedly incurred repair costs running into millions of dollars following a similar engine cowling damage incident. Aviation experts have continued to express concern over recurring ground handling safety lapses at Nigeria’s busiest airports, citing issues related to equipment condition, staff training, and ramp safety compliance.

Observers warned that such incidents not only disrupt airline operations but also erode passenger confidence and impose avoidable financial burdens on operators. No injuries were reported in the incident, while investigations are expected to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the collision, including equipment condition and adherence to standard operating procedures.