Flight Operations Resume After Private Jet’s Tyre Burst Disrupts Abuja Airport

Flight operations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja were briefly disrupted on Thursday afternoon after a private jet experienced a tyre burst upon landing, forcing authorities to temporarily close the runway.

The incident, which occurred around 2:00 p.m., caused a short suspension of both arrivals and departures as airport officials moved quickly to clear the aircraft and ensure passenger safety.

Confirming the situation, Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), said the runway had since been reopened and normal flight activities resumed.

“I was informed that a private aircraft experienced a tyre burst on landing. But it has been cleared off the runway and operations are back to normal,” Achimugu told reporters.

The temporary shutdown marks yet another disruption at the Abuja airport, following similar incidents in recent years that prompted emergency closures. While no injuries were reported in Thursday’s event, authorities have yet to provide details on what caused the tyre failure or whether an investigation will be launched.

For context, on November 12, 2023, an Aero Contractors flight (registration 5N-BYQ) had its nose wheel stuck in a grass verge while attempting to exit the runway, resulting in hours of delay before the aircraft was removed.

Similarly, on December 11, 2024, a cargo plane operated by Allied Air (5N-JRT) skidded off Runway 22, leading to another temporary closure as emergency teams worked to clear the scene.

Thursday’s incident, though swiftly managed, highlights the ongoing challenges of ensuring safety and maintenance efficiency at Nigeria’s busiest airports.