Air Peace Aircraft Collides with Antelope at Abuja Airport
An Air Peace passenger aircraft was grounded on Saturday, May 10, 2025, after colliding with a large antelope while taxiing at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The impact killed the animal instantly and left the aircraft unable to proceed with its scheduled flight, causing widespread delays.
The incident sparked immediate concern and backlash from aviation stakeholders and passengers, who questioned safety measures at Nigeria’s major airports.
NCAA Confirms Incident, Begins Investigation
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed the incident and announced that its Aviation Security Unit has launched a full investigation. NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu assured the public that the agency is working to uncover how the antelope accessed the taxiway, which is supposed to be a secured zone.
Achimugu noted that while the wildlife intrusion was beyond the airline’s control, Air Peace is expected to comply with passenger rights by offering full refunds, rebookings, or care for affected travelers.
Aviation Experts Slam NCAA Over Lax Wildlife Control
Aviation analysts and industry experts have criticized the NCAA, saying the incident reflects a serious lapse in wildlife management and airport safety protocols. Many argue that the Abuja runway—one of the busiest in the country—should never have been compromised in such a manner.
“This isn’t just an accident; it’s a sign of weak enforcement of international aviation safety standards,” said one aviation safety consultant who spoke anonymously.
NCAA Pledges Safety Review
Amid growing pressure, the NCAA has pledged to strengthen safety protocols across Nigerian airports. Officials say immediate steps will be taken to ensure runway areas are protected from wildlife intrusions, and airport perimeter security will be re-evaluated.
“We are committed to passenger safety and will take necessary actions to prevent a repeat of this kind of incident,” NCAA representatives said in a statement.
