The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into a runway excursion involving an Allied Air Boeing 737-400 cargo aircraft with registration 5N-JRT at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The incident occurred at approximately 10:06 AM local time on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, as the aircraft, operating flight AJK206 from Lagos, veered off Runway 22 into the grass verge upon landing.
According to NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, there were no reported injuries or fatalities among the five crew members aboard or ground personnel. The aircraft, however, sustained significant damage. Emergency response teams were promptly deployed to secure the site and ensure safety.
“Our Go Team has been dispatched to the site to conduct an on-site assessment, recover data, and interview involved parties,” Mrs. Oladeji said. “The investigation aims to identify causal and contributory factors. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”
Following the incident, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) temporarily closed the airport runway to clear debris. FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, confirmed that the Airport Emergency Response Team and accident investigators were on-site to expedite the reopening of the runway.
Mrs. Orah assured the public of ongoing efforts to restore normal operations and emphasized that speculation should be avoided until the NSIB releases its preliminary report. In a subsequent update, FAAN announced that the runway had been cleared and reopened for flight operations.
The incident caused temporary disruptions to air travel, with airlines such as Air Peace and United Nigeria issuing apologies for delays across their networks. In a statement, United Nigeria Airlines reassured passengers of its commitment to safety and collaboration with airport authorities to minimize inconvenience.
The NSIB’s investigation marks another step in Nigeria’s commitment to upholding safety standards in aviation while ensuring transparent accountability in incident reporting and management.
