Passengers aboard an Air Peace flight from Abuja to Asaba on Friday escaped what could have been a major aviation disaster after the aircraft experienced an engine failure while preparing for take-off at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
According to eyewitnesses and preliminary airline reports, the incident occurred shortly before the aircraft was cleared for departure. The pilot reportedly detected an abnormal sound from one of the engines during pre-flight procedures and immediately aborted take-off as a precautionary measure.
The flight crew acted swiftly to ensure the safety of all passengers, bringing the aircraft to a controlled stop on the taxiway. Airport fire and rescue services were promptly deployed to the scene, but there were no injuries or damage reported.
“It was a frightening moment, but the crew remained calm and professional,” one passenger said. “We were all told to stay seated while they checked the situation. Thankfully, everything was handled quickly and safely.”
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Air Peace confirmed the incident in a brief statement, describing it as a technical issue that was promptly managed in accordance with international safety standards. The airline said all passengers were safely evacuated and later transferred to another aircraft to continue their journey to Asaba.
“Our highly trained crew detected a minor engine issue during take-off roll and followed standard safety procedures,” the statement read. “Passenger safety is our top priority, and at no point were lives in danger. We appreciate our customers’ understanding and cooperation.”
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reportedly been notified and is expected to conduct an investigation to determine the exact cause of the malfunction. Aviation analysts commended the pilot’s quick decision-making, noting that early detection and adherence to safety protocols are key factors in preventing accidents.
Operations at the Abuja airport continued normally after the incident, though the affected flight experienced a brief delay.
The near-miss highlights the importance of stringent maintenance checks and safety vigilance in Nigeria’s aviation industry, which continues to record improvements in compliance and airworthiness standards.