Passengers aboard an Air Peace Embraer ERJ 145 experienced a moment of panic on Monday when the aircraft’s windshield shattered during landing at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The incident raised immediate concerns among those onboard and aviation personnel present at the scene.
Among the passengers was human rights advocate Omoyele Sowore, who voiced his alarm over the situation. Witnesses at the airport described the event as unsettling, with one passenger, who preferred to be identified as Funmi, expressing frustration over the airline’s lack of communication regarding the cause of the windshield failure.
Attempts to contact Abdullahi Musa, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to phone calls or text messages regarding the incident.
Bimbo Olajide, a spokesperson for the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), clarified that the agency is primarily responsible for investigating serious accidents rather than incidents like this one. “This situation is classified as an incident, which falls under the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)’s jurisdiction,” she explained, noting that the NSIB focuses on transport safety and accident investigations.
When reached for comment, Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, indicated he would consult his team for further details but did not respond by press time.
Oluwatoyin Olajide, Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, reacted defensively when questioned about the incident. She insisted that the safety of passengers was not compromised. “What panic are you referring to? This was a normal snag, and safety measures were followed,” she stated, expressing frustration with media coverage of the event.
Olajide questioned the media’s focus on negative stories about the airline, citing a recent incident involving British Airways that received little attention. “We prioritize the safety of our passengers and equipment,” she affirmed, downplaying the severity of the windshield shattering.
As authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, passengers and observers remain eager for clarity on what transpired during this alarming event.
