By Abdullahi Inuwa
In a bizarre twist at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, an Air Peace aircraft was grounded after striking an antelope during takeoff preparations on Sunday morning, causing temporary flight delays and panic among passengers.
The incident, which occurred around 7:30 am, forced the aircraft to abort its scheduled journey, prompting emergency protocols and runway inspection. Passengers were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported, but several flights experienced delays as airport authorities worked to clear the runway and investigate how the animal gained access to the restricted area.
Air Peace confirmed the incident, stating, “Our aircraft was grounded as a precautionary measure after a suspected wildlife strike. Safety remains our top priority.”
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched a probe into the incident, vowing to enhance perimeter surveillance and wildlife control measures.
Travelers have since resumed flights, but the unusual runway encounter sparked safety concerns and a flurry of reactions online, with many calling for improved airport fencing and monitoring.
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