By Joe Udo
PORT HARCOURT (CONVERSEER) – At least 127 passengers and crew members aboard an Air Peace flight narrowly escaped death on Sunday morning after the aircraft veered off the runway while landing at the Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo International Airport in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The incident, which occurred at approximately 10:00am, involved Air Peace Flight P47190, which was operating from Lagos to Port Harcourt. The aircraft reportedly experienced a “runway excursion” upon landing, according to a statement signed by Osifo-Whiskey Efe, the airline’s spokesperson.
“The aircraft veered slightly off the runway without any damage. All passengers disembarked safely and calmly, and no injuries were reported,” the Air Peace statement read.
Confirming the incident, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Obiageli Orah, noted that emergency response procedures were promptly activated to ensure the safety of all occupants on board.
“All 127 passengers on board were safely evacuated, and no casualties were recorded,” Orah said, adding that FAAN had commenced a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event.
She further stated that passengers and airlines should expect potential delays for flights scheduled to depart for Port Harcourt as a result of the temporary disruption caused by the incident.
“FAAN assures the public that safety and security remain top priorities, and further updates will be provided as investigations continue,” she said.
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While no structural damage was recorded on the aircraft, aviation authorities are expected to carry out technical evaluations and inspections in line with standard protocol.
The incident comes as Nigeria’s aviation sector continues to face increasing scrutiny over safety standards, even as operators and regulatory bodies reaffirm their commitment to maintaining global best practices.
Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest private airline, operates domestic and international flights and has over the years expanded its fleet and routes. The airline has also recorded occasional incidents, though it continues to maintain that safety remains its foremost concern.
Meanwhile, normal operations at the airport are gradually resuming, although with minimal disruptions as relevant agencies work to restore full functionality on the affected runway.
