Air Peace flights delayed, cancelled after NAHCO vehicle damages aircraft engine at Lagos airport
By Aboki Forex —
Air Peace has warned passengers of flight delays and cancellations after one of its Airbus A320 aircraft was badly damaged by a baggage conveyor vehicle at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 in Lagos. The aircraft, which arrived from Kano, is now unfit for operations.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, the airline said the incident occurred shortly after passengers safely disembarked from Flight P47427. A baggage conveyor belt vehicle operated by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) struck one of the aircraft's engines while it was on the ground.
Engine damage grounds aircraft, disrupts schedule
The airline said the impact caused extensive damage to the engine, leaving the aircraft completely unserviceable. The affected plane had been scheduled to operate several flights across the domestic network over the coming days.
Air Peace said: “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.”
Airline apologises, investigates with authorities
The carrier apologised to passengers whose travel plans may be disrupted. It assured the public that its operations and customer service teams are working to reduce inconvenience by arranging alternative travel options where possible. The airline added that passenger safety remains its highest priority and appealed for understanding as it works to restore normal operations.
Air Peace also disclosed that it is collaborating with the ground handling company and relevant aviation authorities to investigate the incident and determine what led to the collision.
As of the time of this report, NAHCO had not issued an official response to Air Peace's claims or requests for comment regarding the incident.
What this means for passengers and Nigerian aviation
Ground handling accidents involving support equipment can lead to expensive repairs and widespread flight disruptions, especially when aircraft engines are involved. This incident renews concerns about safety procedures during ground operations and comes several months after another Air Peace aircraft was reportedly damaged by ground handling equipment at the Lagos airport in December 2025. Passengers flying with Air Peace should expect delays and cancellations as the airline reorganises its fleet.