There was panic at the Murtala Muhammad Airport, Lagos in the early hours of Tuesday, April 23, 2024 as the aircraft of Dana Air skidded off the runway.

Sources told The Star that the incident took place at 10:14 a.m.

The aircraft with registration number, 5N BKI, was flying from Abuja to Lagos on Tuesday morning, but veered off the runway during landing operation at the Murtala Mohammed airport in Lagos.

Emergency responders, especially Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Services (ARRFS), were mobilised to the scene.

The 83 passengers on board were promptly evacuated unhurt through the emergency exit gate.

NCAA suspends Dana Air operations indefinitely

The aircraft was stuck in the grass near the runway.

The cause of the incident was not yet disclosed at the time of filing this report.

Already, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) investigators have been deployed to the scene.

A statement signed by Mr Kingsley Ezenwa, Head of Corporate Communications of the airline said all the 83 passengers and crew members onboard were unharmed.

According to Ezenwa, the airline was relieved to confirm that all 83 passengers and crew onboard the flight, disembarked safely without injuries or scare as the crew handled the situation with utmost professionalism.

He said all relevant authorities have been informed of the incident.

“We have also updated the AIB and NCAA on the incident and the aircraft involved has been grounded by our maintenance team for further investigation.

“We wish to thank the airport authorities, our crew for their very swift response in ensuring the safe disembarkation of all passengers following the incident.

“Our sincere apologies and appreciation to the passengers on the affected flight for their patience and understanding.

“We wish to reassure our passengers that their safety will always be our top priority, and we are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident,” he noted.

The Star