NIGERIAN CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY REOPENED LAGOS AIRPORT RUNWAY

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority reopened Lagos Airport’s 18L runway shortly after a runway skidding occurred. Dana Airline, registered number 5N-BK, overshot the runway during its landing sequence at Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos on Tuesday, April 24, 2024. 

The NCAA reported that the Nigerian Safety and Investigation Bureau retrieved Dana Airline’s flight recorder to investigate the incident, which could have cost passengers their lives. 

Following the statement signed and released today, April 24, 2024, by Obiageli Orah, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN, the statement reassured Nigerians and passengers across the globe that every technician error has been rectified and the Runway 18L/36R has been opened for flight operations at 19:58hrs. 

The FAAN statement mentioned the swift action of the emergency response team in ensuring the runway was free of debris that could distort or impede flight safety. It further stated the collaboration between the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency and FAAN Operations Division to inspect the runway and ensure it is safe to resume operation. 

FAAN acknowledged that the affected area from the overshoot was muddy and required extensive cleanup to restore safety. 

Oprah apologized, saying that the safety of their passengers and staff and the airport’s operation were their top priorities. The statement released states that “FAAN is committed to providing a safe, secure, and efficient air transport environment for all users of our airports.”

She further mentioned that “FAAN wishes to express its gratitude to the traveling public, our airline partners, and all stakeholders for their patience, understanding, and cooperation during the temporary closure. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this incident may have caused,”