Abuja Airport shut down as aircraft overshoots runway (video)

The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Nigeria, was shut down on Wednesday after an aircraft overshot the runway during landing. The incident was captured on video and has sparked concerns about the safety of air travel in the country.

The aircraft, a Boeing 737-500 operated by Azman Air, was arriving from Lagos when it experienced a runway excursion. The plane reportedly came to a stop on the runway’s safety area, which led to the closure of the airport as authorities worked to remove the aircraft and assess the damages.

The video footage of the incident shows the plane coming to a stop with its nose gear collapsed and emergency slides deployed. Passengers can be seen disembarking from the plane and being escorted away from the aircraft by airport personnel.

The incident has raised questions about the state of aviation infrastructure in Nigeria, with many expressing concerns about the safety of air travel in the country. This is not the first time that the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport has experienced issues related to aircraft overshooting runways. In 2017, the airport was closed for repairs after a similar incident involving a different airline.

Aviation experts have called for a thorough investigation into the incident to determine the cause and prevent similar occurrences in the future. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has also announced that it will conduct a review of the safety of operations at the airport.

The shutdown of the airport has caused disruptions to air travel in the region, with several flights being cancelled or diverted to other airports. Passengers have been advised to contact their airlines for information on rescheduled flights.

The incident has also reignited the debate about the need for improved infrastructure and safety measures in Nigerian airports. The country’s aviation industry has faced criticism in the past for its lack of modern equipment and inadequate maintenance of facilities.

The closure of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport is a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and security of air travel. It is crucial for authorities to address the issues raised by this incident and take proactive measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

As investigations into the incident continue, it is hoped that the authorities will take the necessary steps to improve the safety of air travel in Nigeria and prevent such incidents from happening again. The reopening of the airport will also be eagerly anticipated by passengers and airlines affected by the shutdown.