Passengers safe after aircraft suffers gear malfunction on landing at Nigerian airport

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has reported that an Enugu Air flight encountered a malfunction in its nose-landing gear as it touched down at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport after departing from Lagos.

According to a statement issued by Henry Agbebire, FAAN’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, the incident occurred around 19:10 hrs on Thursday while the aircraft was completing its approach on runway eight.

FAAN said the plane, bearing registration number SN-BZN, came to a stop on the runway and was unable to move shortly after its landing. Agbebire also confirmed that the jet belongs to Enugu Air.

“Emergency response teams were immediately mobilised and were on scene to ensure the safety of occupants and to secure the aerodrome,” the authority said.

“FAAN’s airport emergency resources, including fire tenders and medical standby, were deployed as standard procedure.All passengers and crew were safely disembarked and evacuated to the terminal, using the Apron buses. Evacuation was completed without injury and concluded at 19:48 hrs.”

The agency noted that its aerodrome rescue and firefighting services (ARFFS) were already stationed in the area as the aircraft and airside were secured. FAAN reiterated that safeguarding travellers, crew members, and all airport stakeholders remains its chief priority and said more information will be shared once verified updates emerge.

The scare adds to the spotlight on the airline, which was formally launched just four months ago by Festus Keyamo, the minister of aviation and aerospace development.