Jet Blast Incident Damages United Nigeria Aircraft at Lagos Airport
A United Nigeria Airline (UNA) aircraft has been withdrawn from service following a ground incident caused by jet blast at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MM2) in Lagos, as confirmed in a statement by the airline's Public Relations Officer, Chibuike Uloka. The incident occurred during routine ground operations and involved an Embraer 190 aircraft that had earlier arrived from Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu as Flight UN0503 at approximately 8:40 a.m.
Details of the Incident
According to Uloka, the aircraft was parked at an open bay between two other planes when simultaneous ground movement by nearby aircraft triggered the event. While United Nigeria Airline was preparing to board passengers for another scheduled flight, UN0500, one aircraft began taxiing after completing boarding, and another initiated pushback onto the taxiway. The resulting jet blast from the taxiing aircraft generated a strong force across the ramp area, displacing a baggage trolley belonging to a ground handling company.
The trolley was subsequently blown into the United Nigeria aircraft, causing damage to critical external components, including the antenna and part of the forward fuselage near the nose landing gear. In response, the airline immediately withdrew the aircraft from operations in line with safety procedures, emphasizing its commitment to uncompromising safety standards.
Safety Measures and Passenger Impact
Uloka stated that the affected aircraft has been taken out of service for a comprehensive inspection before it can return to operations. He reiterated that the impact resulted in damage to external components, and the airline remains dedicated to upholding the highest safety protocols. United Nigeria Airlines also apologized to passengers for the disruption caused by the incident, assuring that efforts are ongoing to minimize inconvenience and support affected travelers. The airline reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high safety standards in all its operations, highlighting the importance of rigorous safety checks in aviation.
