Abuja airport runway closed as cargo aircraft skids off

Abuja airport

The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has temporarily shut down Runway 22 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja after an Allied Air Cargo aircraft with registration number 5N-JRT suffered a tyre burst causing it to skid the runway on Wednesday.

Alll passengers and crew members were safely evacuated. It was also gathered that no one suffered injury.

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

A press statement signed on Wednesday, by director of public affairs and consumer protection at FAAN 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.