September 09, (THEWILL) – An aircraft belonging to United Nigeria Airlines, operating from Owerri to Lagos, on Friday evening, overshot the runway at the Murtala Muhammed International (MMIA) Airport, Lagos, with about 200 metres.
THEWILL gathered that the incident, involving aircraft NUA O513, happened at about 19:35 hours on Runway L18, during a heavy rainfall.
Rescue operations began immediately with the arrival of officials from Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (ARFFS) Of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
In their official statement issued at about 11:20 pm on Friday and signed by the United Nigeria Airlines Head, Corporate Communications, Achilleus-Chud Uchegbu, Head, United Nigeria Airlines, stated that “A United Nigeria Airlines flight U5 0513 operated by its aircraft with registration 5N-BWY upon landing at Murtala Mohammed Airport Lagos aquaplaned due to a downpour.
The aircraft, which was coming in from the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, operated and landed normally, but skidded off the runway upon landing. All Passengers have also been safely evacuated alongside their luggage. No passenger was hurt in the incident. Relevant authorities have been informed about the incident. Passenger safety is of utmost priority to United Nigeria Airlines.
“We assure our passengers that we value their safety and will not compromise on it. We shall continually work, like we have always done, to ensure that our passengers are always united with their destinations safely.
With its hub in Enugu, United Nigeria Airline’s fleet currently consists of four Embraer ERJ145 jets, each with a capacity of 50 seats.
It operates Lagos-Asaba-Lagos, Abuja-Asaba-Abuja, Lagos-Owerri-Lagos, Abuja-Owerri-Abuja, Lagos-Port Harcourt-Lagos, Abuja-Port Harcourt-Lagos.
Other routes are Lagos-Yenagoa-Lagos, Abuja-Yenagoa-Abuja, Lagos-Enugu-Lagos and Abuja-Enugu-Abuja, with plans to open up more routes in the near future.
About the Author
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
