An unfortunate landing mishap involving an Aero Contractors aircraft temporarily shut down one of the runways at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Sunday. The incident occurred at approximately 10:47 a.m. when an Aero Contractors Boeing 737, bearing the nationality and registration marks 5N-BYQ, experienced difficulties with its nose wheel while taxiing on runway A4.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) provided details regarding the mishap, pointing out that it transpired during the aircraft’s arrival from Lagos to Abuja. Prompt action was taken to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers and crew on board.
Ado Sanusi, the managing director of Aero Contractors, expressed his sincere apologies on behalf of the aviation company for the inconvenience caused to the passengers. He reassured the public that the swift and coordinated response of all parties involved ensured the safe evacuation of all 133 passengers through a controlled disembarkation process.
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Sanusi emphasized Aero Contractors’ commitment to prioritizing passenger safety, stating, “Our mantra in Aero Contractors is safety; our long history is a testimony to this.” The airline’s dedicated team, in collaboration with airport management, successfully towed the aircraft from the taxiway, allowing for the resumption of airport operations.
As part of the investigation process, Aero Contractors is fully cooperating with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB). These agencies will conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause of the mishap and implement any necessary measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The closure of the runway posed temporary disruptions to both passengers and airport users. However, the efficient response and cooperative efforts of Aero Contractors, airport authorities, and relevant aviation bodies ensured that the situation was promptly addressed with the highest priority given to passenger safety.
Aviation safety remains of paramount importance, and incidents such as this highlight the industry’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence and passenger well-being.