Chaos at Lagos Airport: Ground Handling Incident Grounds Air Peace Jet, Disrupts Flights for Thousands!

Published on December 27, 2025

Flight operations at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos were severely disrupted on Boxing Day, Friday, December 26, following a ground handling incident involving a newly acquired aircraft of Air Peace Limited. The incident resulted in the grounding of the Embraer 195-E2 aircraft, with registration number 5N-BYH, and caused significant delays and cancellations of multiple scheduled flights.

The aircraft, which had only recently been added to Air Peace’s fleet, was struck by a luggage conveyor belt vehicleoperated by Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO). The collision occurred while the aircraft was on the ground, shortly after passengers had boarded for Flight P47750, which was scheduled to fly from Lagos to Accra, Ghana.

The Incident: Aircraft Grounded and Flights Affected

According to aviation sources, the collision caused visible damage to one of the Embraer 195-E2’s engines. Specifically, the Thrust Reverser Cowling, a critical component of the engine casing, was dented and torn. The damage was substantial enough to necessitate immediate grounding of the aircraft, triggering safety protocols as a result. Passengers who had already boarded were instructed to disembark, leading to significant delays as the aircraft was withdrawn for a detailed technical assessment.

This grounding had a far-reaching impact on Air Peace’s flight schedule. The Embraer 195-E2 was scheduled to operate a total of nine flights on the day of the incident, all of which were affected by the unplanned grounding. As a result, several passengers were left stranded at the airport, and others were rebooked on alternative flights, further complicating travel plans for many.

A Significant Addition to Air Peace’s Fleet

The damaged aircraft is part of Air Peace’s latest fleet acquisition. The Embraer 195-E2 is a modern jet, which had been added to the airline’s fleet to enhance its operational capacity and improve efficiency on regional routes. Given the recent addition of the aircraft to the fleet, the incident is particularly impactful. Not only does the damage hinder the airline’s ability to operate its scheduled services, but it also represents a setback in terms of fleet management and growth.

Financial Implications of Aircraft Damage

Beyond the inconvenience caused to passengers, the incident has raised concerns about the financial impact on Air Peace. Repairing modern jet engines, especially critical components like the Thrust Reverser Cowling, comes at a high cost. In a similar incident earlier in the year, Air Peace reportedly incurred repair costs of approximately $3.5 million due to damage sustained to another aircraft’s engine cowling. Such substantial costs highlight the financial exposure that airlines face when accidents occur on the ramp or during ground handling operations.

This latest mishap underscores the vulnerability of airlines to disruptions that are often beyond their control, particularly when it comes to ground handling processes. The financial burden of repairs, combined with the potential for further delays and service interruptions, can have lasting consequences on an airline’s profitability and operational efficiency.

Ground Handling Safety Concerns Raised Again

The incident has once again placed the spotlight on ground handling safety standards at Nigeria’s busiest airports. Industry observers have long raised concerns about the adequacy of ground handling procedures, the condition of equipment, and the training of personnel involved in ramp operations. Recurring incidents such as this one have led to calls for improved safety protocols and stricter adherence to standard operating procedures.

With the increasing volume of flights and passengers, particularly in major airports like MMIA, it is critical that ground handling operations are not only efficient but also safe. Failing to adhere to established safety guidelines not only jeopardizes the safety of passengers and crew but also disrupts the entire airport’s operations. The resulting delays and cancellations can have significant ripple effects, eroding passenger confidence and causing financial setbacks for the airline involved.

Investigations to Determine the Cause of the Incident

No injuries were reported as a result of the incident. However, investigations are expected to be conducted to determine the exact cause of the collision and assess the condition of the luggage conveyor belt vehicle involved. The inquiry will also examine whether the ground handling team followed the appropriate safety procedures and whether the equipment involved was properly maintained and operational.

It is hoped that the findings will provide valuable insights into the cause of the mishap and help prevent similar incidents in the future. Enhanced oversight and accountability will be crucial in ensuring that such accidents are minimized and that airlines, ground handlers, and other airport stakeholders work together to uphold the highest safety standards.

The Broader Impact on the Aviation Sector

This incident has brought to light the broader challenges faced by the aviation industry in Nigeria and other countries with high air traffic volumes. While the country continues to make strides in expanding and modernizing its aviation infrastructure, the importance of improving ground handling practices cannot be overstated. Proper maintenance of ground equipment, rigorous training for personnel, and consistent adherence to safety protocols are essential in ensuring the smooth operation of air travel.

For Air Peace, the impact of this incident goes beyond the immediate disruptions caused by flight cancellations. The airline will likely need to address potential reputational damage, particularly among passengers who were affected by the delays. With the airline’s growing presence in the West African aviation market, maintaining a strong reputation for reliability and safety is essential for fostering long-term customer loyalty and securing future growth.

Conclusion

The ground handling incident at Murtala Muhammed International Airport involving a newly acquired Embraer 195-E2 aircraft from Air Peace Limited has disrupted flight operations and raised important questions about the safety of airport ground operations in Nigeria. While no injuries were reported, the damage to the aircraft and the subsequent delays have had a significant impact on passengers and the airline’s operational capacity. The financial burden of repairs and the broader implications for ground handling practices highlight the importance of improving safety measures and equipment maintenance at airports. The aviation industry in Nigeria, as well as globally, must continue to prioritize safety and efficiency to prevent such incidents from recurring and to ensure the smooth and reliable operation of air travel.