An Air Peace flight operating from Lagos to Port Harcourt experienced a runway excursion at Port Harcourt International Airport on Sunday morning, July 13, 2025, raising concerns about runway safety in Nigeria’s aviation sector. The incident, involving Flight P47190, occurred shortly after the aircraft landed safely, with no injuries reported among passengers or crew.
According to a statement by Air Peace spokesperson Osifo-Whiskey Efe, the aircraft “veered slightly off the runway” but sustained no damage. All passengers disembarked calmly and safely, and the airline emphasized its commitment to maintaining high safety standards. “We reassure the flying public of our unflinching commitment to operational safety,” Efe stated. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has yet to launch an investigation to determine the cause of the incident, with preliminary reports suggesting possible runway conditions or technical issues.
In Rivers State, where Port Harcourt serves as a key economic hub, the incident has spotlighted ongoing challenges with airport infrastructure. Local residents and business owners, reliant on the airport for commerce and travel, expressed relief at the lack of casualties but voiced concerns about recurring runway incidents. “The airport is vital for our businesses, but these incidents make us worry about safety,” said Chika Ofor, a local trader. Rivers State’s ports and aviation facilities are critical to the region’s oil and gas industry, making reliable infrastructure a priority.
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This marks the second Air Peace incident in recent months, following a May 2025 event where an aircraft collided with an antelope at Asaba International Airport, grounding the plane. Experts note that runway excursions, while not uncommon in Nigeria, often stem from factors like wet runways or maintenance lapses. The Port Harcourt airport has faced similar issues in the past, with a 2019 Air Peace flight skidding off due to heavy rain.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed the runway was cleared swiftly, allowing normal operations to resume. However, stakeholders are calling for urgent upgrades to runway conditions and stricter oversight. As investigations continue, Rivers State’s aviation community and passengers nationwide await clarity on how to prevent future incidents, emphasizing the need for robust safety measures to sustain public trust in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
