Aviation experts have heavily criticized the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) following an incident on Saturday at Asaba Airport, where a large antelope ran into an Air Peace aircraft on the runway, causing the jet to be grounded.
The incident occurred when the animal, which was decimated by the aircraft, crossed the runway, leading to a disruption in operations. NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu confirmed the collision and stated that the grounded aircraft would lead to the cancellation of subsequent flights.
While engineers were promptly dispatched to inspect and fix the plane, Achimugu acknowledged that the situation would naturally frustrate passengers.
He further emphasized that such incidents highlight the disruptions that are beyond the airlines’ control, adding that passengers are entitled to proper care, including information and refunds, as stipulated by the airline.
The situation became even more concerning when pictures and videos from the scene surfaced, showing a bloodstained and lifeless antelope beneath the aircraft.
Experts have called the incident a clear indication of significant lapses by both the NCAA and the airport’s operating bodies, particularly the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
One of the leading critics, Group Captain John Ojikutu, pointed out that the incident revealed serious security gaps at the airport. “Do airports have security fencing?
Are they secured?” Ojikutu questioned, referring to the importance of having adequate measures in place to prevent animals and unauthorized individuals from gaining access to the runway.
He also raised concerns about the outcome of an audit conducted at the airport last year, questioning whether the airport met the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
Ojikutu also criticized the lack of insurance coverage for Nigerian airports, stating that the Civil Aviation Act 2022 had intentionally left out the provision of airport insurance.
“Air Peace should hold FAAN responsible if the aircraft was damaged due to this incident,” he said, referring to past incidents of similar nature, including one in Port Harcourt.
He emphasized that the failure to ensure airport insurance coverage left airlines vulnerable to financial losses caused by such events.
Retired Nigeria Airways pilot Capt. Muhammed Badamasi echoed Ojikutu’s concerns, stressing the importance of perimeter fencing at airports.
“From my experience, perimeter fencing is a must in our airports. It is the NCAA’s responsibility to enforce this rule,” he said. “Whether the airport is managed by FAAN or not, all personnel must comply with NCAA regulations.”
It has since been revealed that the Asaba airport is operated by the state government rather than FAAN, which complicates the issue further. Experts believe that whether or not FAAN is directly in charge, the NCAA must take a more active role in enforcing safety measures at all airports under its jurisdiction.
The antelope collision at Asaba highlights ongoing concerns about the security and safety of Nigerian airports, urging both regulatory bodies and airport operators to address lapses in infrastructure and enforcement of safety standards to prevent such incidents in the future.
