In an extraordinary twist at Nigeria’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, an Air Peace aircraft was forced to abort its operations and was subsequently grounded after a high-speed collision with a stray antelope on the runway, sparking significant flight delays and passenger frustration.
The bizarre incident unfolded as the aircraft was taxiing in preparation for takeoff. Without warning, the animal darted across the tarmac, resulting in a fatal impact. The force of the collision instantly killed the antelope and triggered a mandatory aircraft safety protocol, classifying the jet as “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) pending thorough inspection and technical clearance.
Confirming the incident, Mr. Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday to provide clarity.
“Monitoring reports yesterday indicated that an Air Peace aircraft ran into a large antelope, decimating the animal and leaving the aircraft AOG (Aircraft on Ground),” Achimugu stated. “As a result, flights meant to be operated by this aircraft would naturally be disrupted, even though engineers are on the ground to assess and fix the plane. Passengers waiting would naturally be infuriated.”
He emphasized that while such events are clearly outside an airline’s control, they nonetheless reflect the complex challenges facing Nigeria’s aviation sector — especially regarding airport perimeter security and wildlife management.
“Incidents like this are literal illustrations of the disruptions NOT caused by the airlines (domestic or international),” he continued. “Still, even in situations like this, the airline owes its passengers timely information, possible refunds, and care. Failure to provide these may still attract sanctions.”
The NCAA’s response highlights a broader issue: the urgent need for enhanced runway safety protocols to prevent such wildlife intrusions, which not only endanger aircraft but also compromise operational efficiency.
While Air Peace has yet to release an official statement, maintenance teams are reportedly working round-the-clock to assess the damage and restore the aircraft to service. Meanwhile, affected passengers have been advised to stay updated via official airline communication channels.
This startling event brings to the fore the need for improved coordination between airport wildlife control units and aviation safety regulators, as Nigerian air traffic continues to grow in volume and complexity.
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