Panic at Port Harcourt Airport as Air Peace Plane Skids Off Runway After Landing

Panic gripped passengers and onlookers this morning as an Air Peace aircraft veered off the runway upon landing at the Port Harcourt International Airport. The flight, identified as P47190, had departed Lagos earlier in the day and was scheduled to arrive safely in Rivers State, but instead ended with a tense and unsettling incident that has now gripped national attention.

The flight, which took off from Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, was said to be nearing the end of a routine journey before a sudden deviation from the runway during landing sparked chaos. Eyewitnesses at the scene described a terrifying moment as the aircraft, instead of coming to a smooth halt, skidded off the tarmac and came to rest on the grassy edge of the runway. Though no casualties were recorded, passengers were visibly shaken, many bursting into prayer and tears as emergency crews raced to the site.

Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading domestic airline, quickly released a statement confirming the incident. According to the airline, Flight P47190 suffered what they described as a “runway excursion” after landing at Port Harcourt. The cause of the excursion has not yet been officially determined, but the airline emphasized that all passengers and crew onboard the aircraft were safely disembarked without injuries. The aircraft reportedly sustained minimal damage, though a full assessment is still pending.

Videos and pictures circulated on social media showed the aircraft tilted slightly with its landing gear partially sunken into soft ground, surrounded by fire service trucks, security personnel, and aviation staff. The scene was tense but orderly, with passengers being calmly escorted from the aircraft and airport officials springing into action to secure the perimeter. Some travelers who had friends and family on the flight rushed to the airport upon hearing the news, resulting in emotional reunions outside the arrival terminal.

One passenger who identified himself as Mr. Ikenna Nwankwo recounted the terrifying seconds before the aircraft came to a stop. “We had just landed and were slowing down when suddenly the plane started shaking, and we felt a shift to one side. People started shouting ‘Jesus!’ and some were crying. Thank God the pilot was able to stop the plane. I still can’t believe I’m alive.”

Another passenger, a woman in her mid-thirties who declined to give her name, said she thought it was the end. “I just held my seat and prayed. The moment we stopped, I just wanted to get off that plane. I have never been so scared in my life.”

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) also confirmed the incident, stating that emergency response protocols were immediately activated and that all relevant authorities, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), have been notified. FAAN’s media team assured the public that an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the incident and prevent any future recurrence.

There is growing speculation about weather conditions at the time of landing, with some aviation observers pointing to possible wet runway conditions due to early morning rainfall. However, others are urging caution against drawing premature conclusions until investigators provide a comprehensive report. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) is also expected to contribute data to aid the inquiry.

Meanwhile, Port Harcourt International Airport temporarily suspended incoming and outgoing flights following the incident, as the affected runway was cordoned off for safety inspections and removal of the aircraft. The airport management later announced that normal operations would resume as soon as clearance is given by safety experts. Passengers scheduled to travel later today have been advised to check with their airlines for updates and possible rescheduling.

This latest incident brings renewed scrutiny to Nigeria’s aviation industry, which, despite recent improvements, still faces criticism over infrastructure, safety protocols, and regulatory enforcement. While Air Peace has built a strong reputation for expanding domestic and regional routes, incidents like this one highlight the fragile balance between expansion and operational safety.

Aviation analyst Captain John Adegoke expressed relief that there were no fatalities but emphasized the need for swift action. “Runway excursions are serious occurrences. While we are grateful no one was hurt, this should not be swept under the rug. The authorities must ensure a transparent investigation, and if any lapses are found — whether mechanical, human, or environmental — they must be addressed urgently.”

Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema is expected to speak publicly on the matter in the coming hours, with internal reports already being compiled. The airline reiterated its commitment to the safety of its passengers and expressed gratitude to the crew for their professionalism and the swift response of emergency teams.

Back at the airport, flight delays have cascaded across the schedule, with many travelers facing uncertainty. While some expressed frustration, most were simply thankful that the incident didn’t end in tragedy. The aviation community is now watching closely as investigations unfold, hoping that the lessons from today will bolster confidence and safety across Nigeria’s airspace.

As the day progresses, more details are expected to emerge from both the airline and regulatory bodies. For now, families are embracing their loved ones a little tighter, and passengers across the country are reminded once again of the unpredictable nature of air travel — and the paramount importance of preparedness, training, and infrastructure in keeping the skies safe.