A large antelope on Saturday caused a pandemonium on the runway of the Asaba Airport, as an Air Peace aircraft was left grounded after running over the animal.
Though details of the incident were sketchy, the spokesperson of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, confirmed the incident.
The source, however, did not state whether the incident occurred while the plane was landing or when it was taxying to take off.
Spokesman of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Michael Achimugu, confirmed the incident
Writing in a post on his X handle (former Twitter), Achimugu said, “Monitoring reports yesterday indicated that an Air Peace aircraft ran into a large antelope. Decimating the animal and leaving the aircraft AOG (aircraft on ground).
“As a result, flights meant to be operated by this aircraft would naturally be disrupted. Even though engineers are on the ground to assess and fix the plane. Passengers waiting would naturally be infuriated.
“Incidents like this are literal illustrations of the disruptions not caused by the airlines (domestic or international).
“This explainer is for illustration purposes. Not to excuse airlines when they fail to do their duties to passengers.
“Despite such situations, the airline still owes its passengers information, refunds and other forms of care they are entitled to. The airline can face sanctions if it fails to provide these.”
Another source revealed that the aircraft was to fly from Asaba to Lagos.
The Airbus 320 aircraft, marked 9H-EDO, was wet leased by Air Peace.
The source further added that the plane – Flight No: P47861, had 135 passengers on board.
The incident occurred around 17.41 hours (5.41pm local time).
Official at the airport who spoke on the condition of anonymity stated that the unit had observed and reported antelope crossing the Runway to the airport managers.
The official said “It could not be ascertained whether an action had been taken before the incident.
“Asaba International Airport is managed by Asaba Airport Company (AAC), a concessionaire hired by the government for the development, operation, and management of the facility for 30 years.
“The agreement covers all airside and landside infrastructure, including the terminal and runway.
“The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has no role in its management.
Air Peace management is yet to mate a public statement on the incident.