Disaster Averted As Five Rescued When Cargo Plane Skids Off Runway In Abuja

Disaster was averted Wednesday morning when Allied Air Cargo aircraft suffered a tyre burst causing it to skid the Runway 22 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to a statement from the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the plane with registration number 5N-JRT had five passengers on board.

However, FAAN Spokesperson, Obiageli Orah, explained that the passengers were rescued and taken to the hospital for medical attention.

She explained that the airport has temporarily shut down the runway following the incident.

The incident was said to have caused significant disruptions, with several departures delayed as authorities work to clear the affected runway.

“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 statement read.

“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.”

The agency also appreciated the aviation community and the general public for their understanding and patience.

Full text of the statement reads:

Cargo Airplane Skids-Off Runway, Crew Members Evacuated

At 10:05am 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 (5) souls on board with no reported injury.

They were all safely evacuated and taken to the FAAN 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.

We would like to thank the aviation community and the general public for their understanding and patience.

We also request that all speculation be put on hold until the preliminary report is released by the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

Mrs. Obiageli Orah

Director, Public Affairs & Consumer Protection