ASABA, Nigeria — An Air Peace aircraft was temporarily grounded on Saturday, May 10, 2025, after colliding with a large antelope on the runway of the Asaba Airport, causing disruptions to scheduled flights.
The unusual incident occurred while the aircraft was taxiing for takeoff.
The impact killed the animal instantly and left the aircraft classified as “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG), pending safety inspections by engineers before further operation.
Confirming the incident, Mr. Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), said via a post on X (formerly Twitter): “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 noted that the aircraft’s grounding would understandably disrupt flights scheduled to be operated by it.
“Passengers waiting would naturally be infuriated,” he added.
The NCAA official emphasised that while such disruptions are not the fault of the airline, carriers still bear responsibility for how they handle the aftermath.
“Even with situations like this, the airline still owes its passengers the information, refund, and other forms of care they are entitled to, and can still be sanctioned if they fail to provide same,” he stated.
Airport authorities are yet to confirm how the animal gained access to the runway, raising questions over perimeter security and wildlife management protocols at one of the country’s busiest airports.
Air Peace has not yet issued an official statement as of press time.
