Xejet Aircraft Safely Evacuates All Passengers After Nose-Wheel Fault at Enugu Airport
A Xejet aircraft operating a domestic flight from Lagos successfully evacuated all passengers and crew without injury after experiencing a nose-wheel fault upon landing at Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu on Thursday evening. The incident, which occurred at approximately 19:10 local time, prompted an immediate emergency response from airport authorities and has once again highlighted the critical importance of robust safety protocols and emergency preparedness in African aviation.
The aircraft, registered as 5N-BZN, developed an issue with its nose-landing gear while touching down on Runway 08, rendering it immobile on the tarmac. According to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), standard emergency procedures were activated immediately, with fire tenders, medical standby teams, and other critical airport emergency resources swiftly deployed to the scene. The swift response ensured the safety of all occupants and secured the aerodrome environment throughout the operation.
All passengers and crew were successfully disembarked and safely evacuated to the terminal building via apron buses by 19:48, just 38 minutes after the incident occurred. FAAN's Rescue and Firefighting personnel secured the aircraft and maintained control of the airside area throughout the operation, demonstrating the effectiveness of the authority's emergency response capabilities. No injuries were reported, underscoring the professionalism and preparedness of the airport's emergency teams.
Mr. Henry Agbebire, FAAN's Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, confirmed the safe evacuation and emphasized that the Authority's immediate priority remains the safety of passengers, crew, and all airport users. He stated that FAAN has pledged its full support to the aircraft operator and the statutory investigation bodies, and will work closely with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to facilitate a thorough technical review of the incident.
FAAN has confirmed it will not speculate on the cause of the incident at this preliminary stage but will provide updates to the public as authoritative information becomes available from the investigating authorities. This measured approach reflects international best practices in aviation incident management, where premature conclusions can compromise the integrity of investigations and undermine public confidence.
For the African travel industry, this incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks in aviation and the paramount importance of maintaining rigorous safety standards. While such incidents are relatively rare, they underscore the need for continuous investment in training, equipment, and infrastructure to ensure that airports and airlines are equipped to handle emergencies effectively. The swift and professional response by FAAN demonstrates that Nigerian aviation authorities are capable of managing such situations, a reassuring signal for both domestic and international travelers.
The incident also raises questions about aircraft maintenance and operational oversight. Nose-landing gear issues can result from a variety of factors, including mechanical failure, hydraulic system malfunctions, or structural wear. The investigation by the NSIB will seek to determine the root cause and identify any systemic issues that may need to be addressed. For airlines operating in Africa, this incident is a reminder of the importance of rigorous maintenance schedules, comprehensive pre-flight checks, and adherence to manufacturer guidelines.
For travel agents and tour operators, incidents like this can have immediate implications for client confidence and booking patterns. While the safe outcome in this case is positive, any disruption to services or negative publicity can affect perceptions of airline reliability and safety. It is essential for travel professionals to stay informed about such incidents, understand the context, and be prepared to reassure clients with accurate information about safety standards and emergency response capabilities.
The Enugu incident also highlights the broader challenge facing African aviation: balancing rapid growth in passenger numbers with the need to maintain and upgrade aging infrastructure and fleets. Many African airlines operate with limited resources and face intense competitive pressures, which can sometimes lead to compromises in maintenance or safety standards. Regulators and industry stakeholders must work together to ensure that safety is never sacrificed in the pursuit of growth or profitability.
As the investigation into the Xejet incident proceeds, the African travel industry will be watching closely for lessons learned and recommendations for improvement. The outcome of the NSIB's technical review will be crucial in determining whether any changes are needed to maintenance procedures, operational protocols, or regulatory oversight. For now, the safe evacuation of all passengers and crew stands as a testament to the effectiveness of Nigeria's aviation emergency response systems and the professionalism of those who work to keep travelers safe.
