Flight operations for Nigerian carrier Air Peace faced significant disruption on Friday, December 26, 2025, following an incident involving ground handling equipment at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.
Aircraft Struck During Boarding
The incident occurred in the morning when a luggage conveyor belt vehicle, operated by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc, collided with a newly delivered Air Peace Embraer 195-E2 aircraft. The aircraft, with registration 5N-BYH, was stationed at the terminal and had already boarded passengers for its scheduled service, Flight P47750 from Lagos to Accra.
Sources confirmed to The Guardian that the impact caused damage to a critical engine component known as the thrust reverser cowling. As an immediate and mandatory safety precaution, the airline grounded the aircraft and instructed all passengers to disembark.
Widespread Operational Impact
The grounding of the aircraft had a ripple effect on Air Peace's schedule for the day. Industry sources revealed that the affected Embraer jet was slated to operate no fewer than nine flight sectors. Consequently, multiple flights were thrown into disarray.
Passengers faced considerable delays, with many having to be rebooked onto alternative flights. The disruption underscored the logistical challenges airlines face when a key aircraft, especially a new one, is unexpectedly taken out of service.
Investigation and Cost Implications
Authorities are expected to launch a full investigation into the circumstances that led to the collision. The probe will likely examine the condition of the ground handling equipment and review whether all standard operating procedures were followed by the personnel involved.
A source within NAHCO acknowledged the incident, stating that the company's top management was aware and had visited the scene on Friday morning. The event highlights the high-stakes and high-cost environment of modern aviation. Repairs and inspections for advanced aircraft engines like those on the Embraer 195-E2 are notoriously expensive, making this incident a significant financial and operational setback.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported among passengers or crew. The incident remains a stark reminder of the critical importance of safety protocols during ground operations at busy airports like Lagos's MMIA.
