The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, has been temporarily closed after an Allied Air cargo aircraft skidded off the runway.
The Cargo aircraft with registration number 5N-JRT was reported to have experienced a tyre burst after the aircraft landed at the Abuja airport on Wednesday.
The aircraft is reportedly stuck near the runway after skidding off, forcing the airport to be shut pending when the plane would be towed.
A source at the NAIA, who spoke to our correspondent, said, “We are still at the air side at the moment where the incident happened and efforts are ongoing to reopen the runway.”
The incident was said to have caused significant disruptions, with several departures delayed as authorities work to clear the affected runway.
However, there were no injuries nor death records even as emergency officials immediately took over the site.
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A press statement signed on Wednesday, by FAAN Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, confirmed the incident.
Orah stated, “At 10:05 am on December 11, 2024, an Allied Air Cargo aircraft with registration number 5N-JRT skidded off Runway 22 at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja with five souls on board with no reported injury. They were all safely evacuated and taken to the FAN clinic for further checks.
“The Airport Emergency response team is on the scene along with accident investigators. The runway is being cleared and is expected to reopen for operations as soon as possible.”
FAAN however appreciated the aviation community and the general public for their understanding and patience.
