Air Peace has announced flight delays and cancellations after one of its Airbus A320 aircraft was severely damaged when a baggage conveyor vehicle operated by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) struck its engine at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 (MM1) in Lagos. The incident occurred shortly after passengers safely disembarked from Flight P47427, which had arrived from Kano.
Extensive Damage Leaves Aircraft Unserviceable
In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, Air Peace disclosed that the impact rendered the aircraft totally unfit for operations. “The aircraft has been rendered totally unserviceable,” the airline said. The damaged plane was scheduled to operate multiple flights across Air Peace’s domestic network in the coming days, forcing the carrier to reorganize its fleet.
Flight Schedule Disrupted, Apology Issued
Air Peace explained that the unexpected damage would cause significant operational disruptions. “This unfortunate incident has significantly impacted our operations, as the aircraft was rostered to operate multiple flights within our network over the coming days. Consequently, several scheduled services will experience delays, while some may regrettably be cancelled as we work to mitigate the disruption through fleet adjustments,” the statement read.
The airline apologized to affected passengers and assured them that its operations and customer service teams are arranging alternative travel options where possible. Air Peace emphasized that passenger safety remains its highest priority and appealed for understanding as it works to restore normal operations.
Investigation Underway, NAHCO Yet to Respond
Air Peace said it is collaborating with NAHCO and relevant aviation authorities to investigate the incident and determine the cause of the collision. As of the time of this report, NAHCO had not issued an official response to Air Peace’s claims or requests for comment.
Renewed Concerns Over Ground Safety
The incident has reignited concerns about safety procedures during aircraft ground operations. Ground handling companies like NAHCO provide essential services such as baggage handling and operation of specialized vehicles around aircraft. Accidents involving ground support equipment can lead to costly repairs and widespread flight disruptions, especially when engines are damaged. This latest event follows a similar incident in December 2025, when another Air Peace aircraft was reportedly damaged by ground handling equipment at Lagos airport.
