Flight operations involving a brand-new Embraer 195-E2 aircraft operated by Air Peace Limited were severely disrupted on Friday, Boxing Day, following a ground accident at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The incident occurred at the MMIA shortly after passengers had boarded the aircraft, triggering safety concerns and forcing the immediate withdrawal of the jet from service.
The ground accident reportedly happened when a luggage conveyor belt vehicle operated by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company collided with the aircraft’s engine while it was parked on the apron.
The aircraft damage led to disruptions and cancellations of 9 flights scheduled on that aircraft. Sources familiar with the event said the equipment struck the engine cowling with sufficient force to cause visible structural damage, prompting an urgent technical inspection before the aircraft could be cleared for flight.
At the time of the ground accident, the aircraft, registered as 5N-BYH, was scheduled to operate Flight P47750 from Lagos to Accra. Engineers subsequently identified a dent and tear on the Thrust Reverser Cowling, a critical external engine component designed to redirect airflow during landing. Given the safety implications of engine-related damage, Air Peace immediately grounded the aircraft pending further technical evaluation.
Following the ground accident, all passengers who had already boarded the aircraft were asked to disembark in line with established safety protocols. This decision, while precautionary, resulted in delays that rippled through the airline’s daily schedule, as the affected aircraft was rostered for multiple sectors within a tight operational window.
Sources within the airline confirmed that no fewer than nine scheduled flights assigned to the Embraer 195-E2 were disrupted as a direct consequence of the ground accident. Passengers were either rebooked on alternative flights or experienced extended waiting times, adding to the growing frustration often associated with operational disruptions at major Nigerian airports.
Industry observers noted that the affected aircraft forms part of Air Peace’s most recent fleet expansion programme, making the ground accident particularly costly. Modern narrow-body aircraft such as the Embraer 195-E2 feature advanced engine systems and composite materials, meaning even seemingly minor ground damage can translate into lengthy repairs and substantial financial exposure.
Earlier in the year, aviation industry insiders disclosed that a similar engine cowling incident involving another aircraft reportedly cost the airline about $3.5 million to repair. Against this backdrop, the latest ground accident once again highlights the high economic stakes associated with ramp incidents, especially when they involve next-generation aircraft.
Beyond the immediate financial implications, the ground accident has renewed concerns over ground handling safety standards at Nigeria’s major airports. Aviation analysts continue to point to recurring challenges linked to ageing ground support equipment, inconsistent ramp supervision, and gaps in personnel training. They argue that such weaknesses create an environment where avoidable incidents remain frequent.
Stakeholders warn that repeated ground accident occurrences not only disrupt airline operations but also undermine passenger confidence and place unnecessary strain on already stretched aviation infrastructure. In addition, frequent disruptions can affect airline reliability metrics and damage brand perception in an increasingly competitive regional market.
No injuries were reported in the incident, and airport operations continued despite the disruption. Investigations are expected to focus on the precise sequence of events leading to the ground accident, including the condition of the ground equipment involved and adherence to standard operating procedures by handling personnel.
As investigations progress, industry experts insist that sustained investment in ramp safety, stricter enforcement of operational standards, and continuous training remain essential to reducing the frequency of ground accident incidents at Nigeria’s airports.
