Flight operations involving a newly acquired Embraer 195-E2 aircraft belonging to Air Peace Limited were disrupted on Boxing Day following a ground handling incident at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

In a statement released by the airline, Air Peace disclosed that the incident occurred when a luggage conveyor belt vehicle operated by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) allegedly collided with the engine of the aircraft, registered as 5N-BYH, while it was on the ground shortly after passengers had completed boarding.

The aircraft was scheduled to operate Flight P47750 from Lagos to Accra when the collision occurred.

According to Air Peace, the impact resulted in visible damage to the engine, including a dent and tear on the Thrust Reverser Cowling, prompting an immediate safety assessment and the grounding of the aircraft in line with aviation safety standards.

“All passengers already on board were asked to disembark to enable engineers carry out the necessary checks,” the airline stated, adding that the development led to delays and operational disruptions.

Aviation sources confirmed that nine scheduled flights assigned to the aircraft for the day were affected, with several passengers either stranded or rebooked on alternative services.

Industry insiders noted that the Embraer 195-E2 involved in the incident is one of Air Peace’s newest fleet additions, making the damage particularly significant for the airline.

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Beyond passenger inconvenience, the incident is also expected to have serious financial implications, as repairs involving modern commercial aircraft engines are known to be highly capital-intensive. Earlier this year, a similar engine cowling damage incident reportedly cost the airline about $3.5 million to repair.

The development has once again sparked concerns within the aviation sector over ground handling safety standards at Nigeria’s busiest airports, with industry observers pointing to recurring issues related to equipment condition, ramp safety procedures, and personnel training.

Experts warn that such avoidable incidents not only disrupt airline schedules but also erode passenger confidence and impose significant financial losses on operators.

No injuries were reported in the incident. Investigations are expected to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the collision, including compliance with standard operating procedures and the condition of the equipment involved.

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