Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Air Peace has warned of significant flight disruptions across its domestic network after one of its Airbus A320 aircraft was rendered totally unserviceable following a ground collision with a baggage conveyor belt vehicle operated by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 in Lagos. The incident occurred on Tuesday night, July 14, 2026, shortly after the aircraft completed Flight P47427 from Kano and all passengers had safely disembarked, according to a statement issued by the airline on Wednesday. The airline confirmed that the ground handling equipment belonging to and operated by NAHCO tore into the aircraft's engine, causing significant damage and forcing the immediate withdrawal of the Airbus A320 from operations.
The collision has dealt a significant blow to the airline's operations, as the damaged aircraft was rostered to operate multiple flights across the network over the coming days. Consequently, several scheduled services will experience delays, while some may regrettably be cancelled as the airline works to mitigate the disruption through fleet adjustments. The airline, which is Nigeria's largest carrier, said its operational and customer service teams are actively working to minimise the inconvenience by providing available alternatives and ensuring that affected passengers receive the necessary assistance.
In a statement, Air Peace apologised to passengers whose travel plans may be affected by the unforeseen ground handling incident, describing the development as an operational setback. "At Air Peace, the safety of our passengers, crew, and equipment remains our highest priority," the airline stated, adding that it is working closely with the relevant ground handling company and aviation authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and prevent a recurrence. The airline appealed for patience and understanding from its valued customers as it manages the operational challenges arising from the temporary loss of the aircraft.
A source familiar with the development told Vanguard that the collision occurred after the operator of the baggage conveyor belt vehicle suffered a medical emergency while on duty. The source identified the staff member as Mr Sunday, who reportedly slumped while operating the equipment, causing the machine to move forward uncontrollably and hit the aircraft. The employee was immediately rushed to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment. Efforts to obtain an official reaction from NAHCO were unsuccessful, as the company declined to comment on the incident. Messages and calls to NAHCO's publicist, Tayo Ajakaye, were not responded to at press time.
This is not the first time a NAHCO-operated vehicle has damaged an Air Peace aircraft. The airline recalled that NAHCO equipment on December 26, 2025, damaged another aircraft belonging to Air Peace, leaving it totally unserviceable and forcing the airline to adjust its flight schedule. In January 2023, a NAHCO-operated stair truck rammed into an Air Peace Airbus A320 at the Lagos airport, damaging the aircraft's elevator and disrupting multiple scheduled flights. The recurring incidents have raised concerns over ground handling safety at Nigerian airports and the need for stricter oversight of ground handling operations. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority had previously resolved a dispute between Air Peace and NAHCO in April 2026, securing the commitment of both parties to a mutually beneficial working relationship and continued collaboration in the interest of aviation safety.
The incident is expected to put additional pressure on Air Peace's fleet deployment in the immediate term, with the airline now required to make operational adjustments to accommodate passengers across affected routes. As the carrier works to cushion the impact through fleet redeployment, passengers are advised to expect delays and possible cancellations across the airline's domestic network. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision is ongoing, with authorities expected to determine liability and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents. For now, Air Peace passengers face an uncertain travel period as the airline grapples with the operational fallout from yet another ground handling mishap at Nigeria's busiest airport.
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