Abuja airport shut down after cargo plane skids off runway

The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) has been temporarily closed down after an Allied Air cargo plane with registration number 5N-JRT crash-landed at the Airport.

NewsBand gathered that the aircraft experienced a tyre burst upon landing on Wednesday, resulting in the plane skidding off the runway.

The crew members were immediately evacuated and are currently undergoing medical assessments at the 063 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) medical unit.

Moreover, the closure has caused disruptions to flight schedules, and efforts are reportedly underway to resolve the situation.

Passengers have been advised to stay updated with their respective airlines for further information.

However, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed the incident in a statement by its spokesperson, Mrs. Obiageli Orah.

The statement reads, At 10:05am 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 (5) souls on board with no reported injury.

“They were all safely evacuated and taken to the FAAN 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.

“We would like to thank the aviation community and the general public for their understanding and patience. We also request that all speculation be put on hold until the preliminary report is released by the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).”

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook