By By Muminat Ajide.
In response to Saturday’s runway incident at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has taken decisive action by shutting down the 18 Left runway of the airport.
The incident involved an Airbus operated by XEJET Airlines, which veered off the runway and onto the grass upon landing. The aircraft, registered as 5N-BZZ, was carrying 52 passengers and had departed from Abuja before its scheduled arrival in Lagos at 11:29 am.
FAAN’s closure of the 18 Left runway underscores the seriousness with which aviation safety is being addressed following this second such incident in recent times. Just last month, a Dana Air MD-82 aircraft experienced a similar runway mishap, prompting the airline’s suspension for a comprehensive audit by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
While FAAN’s temporary closure of the runway is a proactive measure to ensure passenger safety and operational integrity, it is expected to result in aircraft delays and potential disruptions to landing schedules.
