Air Peace Aircraft Skids Off Runway in Port Harcourt Amid Heavy Rain
An Air Peace aircraft operating flight P47190 from Lagos to Port Harcourt on Sunday morning, July 13, 2025, veered slightly off the runway while landing at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Rivers State. All passengers and crew disembarked safely, and no injuries or damage were recorded.
The incident, which occurred during a period of heavy rainfall, involved an Air Peace Boeing 737. The airline’s spokesperson, Osifo-Whiskey Efe, confirmed the runway excursion, emphasizing that the situation was swiftly brought under control by the flight crew. Passengers remained calm during the disembarkation process, and the aircraft was later towed from the grassy edge of the runway where it came to a halt.
According to Captain Victor Egonu, the Chief Pilot of Air Peace, the heavy rainfall that began during the aircraft’s final approach contributed significantly to the incident. Despite initial weather reports from the control tower suggesting manageable conditions, the rain intensified just as the aircraft touched down. The runway’s condition, with visible depressions and poor drainage, led to surface water accumulation that made braking more difficult.
“The safety of our passengers is our utmost priority,” said Captain Egonu. “Our crew responded professionally, and all safety protocols were followed to ensure the safe evacuation of passengers.”
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have launched investigations into the incident to determine its exact cause and prevent future occurrences. Preliminary assessments suggest that the runway’s poor drainage system may have played a role, as Port Harcourt airport has been known for infrastructure challenges in recent years.
A brief operational halt followed the incident, but normal flight schedules resumed shortly after the aircraft was removed from the runway. Air Peace has reassured the public of its commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards, noting that its pilot training programs meet and exceed regulatory requirements.
Aviation analysts say the incident highlights the need for urgent upgrades to Nigeria’s airport infrastructure, particularly in high-traffic airports like Port Harcourt, where runway depressions and waterlogging have raised safety concerns in the past.
The aircraft involved in the incident has been inspected and cleared for further evaluation by the appropriate aviation safety bodies.
