Flight disruptions may hit Air Peace’s domestic operations across its network after one of the airline’s Airbus A320 aircraft was severely damaged on the ground at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 in Lagos.
According to a statement from the airline on Wednesday, the aircraft was rendered unserviceable when a baggage conveyor belt vehicle operated by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) collided with one of its engines.
The incident occurred shortly after the aircraft had completed Flight P47427 from Kano and passengers on Tuesday night had safely disembarked, according to the airline.
Recall that NAHCO equipment on 26 December 2025 damaged an aircraft belonging to Air Peace.
Air Peace said the impact left the aircraft “totally unserviceable,” forcing the airline to adjust its flight schedule as the affected aircraft had been assigned to operate multiple services in the coming days.
The development is expected to disrupt operations, with the carrier warning that several flights would be delayed while others could be cancelled as it works to cushion the impact through fleet redeployment.
The airline said, “One of its Airbus A320 aircraft sustained significant damage on the ground today at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1, Lagos, after a Nigerian Aviation Handling Company baggage conveyor belt vehicle crashed into the aircraft’s engine shortly after the completion of Flight P47427 from Kano and the safe disembarkation of passengers.
“The ground handling equipment belonging to and operated by NAHCO tore into the aircraft and, as such, rendered the aircraft totally unserviceable.”
The airline noted that the incident had dealt a significant blow to its operations because the aircraft was scheduled to operate several flights across its network.
“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.
Air Peace apologised to passengers whose travel plans may be affected, assuring them that its operational and customer service teams were working to reduce the inconvenience by providing alternative travel arrangements where possible.
The statement reads further, “We sincerely apologise to our esteemed passengers whose travel plans may be affected by this unforeseen ground handling incident. Our 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,” the airline stated.
“At Air Peace, the safety of our passengers, crew, and equipment remains our highest priority. We are working closely with the relevant ground handling company and aviation authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and prevent a recurrence.
“We appreciate the patience, understanding, and continued support of our valued customers as we diligently manage the operational challenges arising from this incident.”
NAHCO was yet to respond as at press time, as messages and calls put across to the grand handlers publicist, Tayo Ajakaye, were not responded to.
The PUNCH