Flight operations involving a newly acquired Embraer 195-E2 aircraft belonging to Air Peace Limited were disrupted on Boxing Day following a ground handling incident at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
In a statement, the airline said the incident occurred when a luggage conveyor belt vehicle operated by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) allegedly collided with the aircraft’s engine, registered as 5N-BYH, while it was on the ground after passengers had completed boarding.
The aircraft was scheduled to operate Flight P47750 from Lagos to Accra when the collision occurred.
According to the airline, the impact caused visible damage to the engine, resulting in a dent and tear on the Thrust Reverser Cowling. This necessitated an immediate safety assessment and the grounding of the aircraft.
Following the incident, all passengers on board were asked to disembark, leading to delays and operational disruptions.
Sources confirmed that nine scheduled flights assigned to the aircraft for the day were affected, with many passengers either stranded or rebooked on alternative services.
Aviation industry sources noted that the Embraer 195-E2 involved is among Air Peace’s newest fleet additions, making the damage particularly significant.
Beyond passenger inconvenience, the incident carries financial implications, as engine-related repairs on modern commercial aircraft are capital-intensive. Earlier this year, a similar engine cowling damage reportedly cost the airline about $3.5 million to fix.
Industry observers have continued to raise concerns over ground handling safety standards at Nigeria’s busiest airports, pointing to recurring issues related to equipment condition, personnel training, and ramp safety procedures. They warned that such incidents not only disrupt airline operations but also undermine passenger confidence and impose substantial, avoidable costs on operators.
No injuries were reported, and investigations are expected to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the collision, including equipment condition and adherence to standard operating procedures.
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