Lagos, Nigeria: An Air Peace Airbus A320 sustained significant engine damage after being struck by a baggage conveyor belt vehicle operated by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, Nigeria, disrupting the airline’s domestic operations and forcing schedule changes across its network.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, 15 July, shortly after Air Peace Flight P47427 completed its scheduled service from Kano to Lagos. According to the airline, the aircraft had arrived safely, and all passengers had disembarked before the ground handling accident occurred. No injuries were reported among passengers or ground personnel.
Air Peace said a NAHCO baggage conveyor belt vehicle collided with one of the Airbus A320’s engines while the aircraft was on the ground. The impact caused extensive damage, with the airline stating that the handling equipment “tore into” the engine, leaving the aircraft “totally unserviceable.”
Air Peace said the damaged Airbus A320 had been scheduled to operate multiple flights across its domestic network over the coming days, meaning its sudden withdrawal from service would significantly affect operations. The airline warned that several scheduled flights would experience delays, while others could be cancelled as it rearranges aircraft within its fleet to minimize disruptions.
In a statement, the carrier apologized to passengers whose travel plans were affected and said its operational and customer service teams were providing alternative arrangements and assistance wherever possible. The airline emphasized that the safety of its passengers, crew and equipment remains its highest priority.
Air Peace added that it is working closely with NAHCO and the relevant Nigerian aviation authorities to determine the circumstances that led to the ground collision and to implement measures aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future.
