Investigation Underway Into Asaba Airport Incident
Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, confirmed that a commercial aircraft’s landing last month near Asaba Airport was not due to mechanical failure. Instead, the pilot mistakenly identified a nearby construction road as the airport’s runway. This incident is currently under investigation due to its implications for national security beyond aviation safety.
In a recent interview with TVC, Keyamo detailed the event involving a Bombardier Challenger CL-601, registered as N989BC, which had received clearance from the control tower to land at Asaba Airport. However, moments later, communication with the aircraft was lost. Keyamo recounted, “After two minutes, the tower called and inquired about its location, unable to confirm its presence on the tarmac.”
The minister explained that air traffic controllers could not track the aircraft because it had landed on a construction road instead of the designated runway. “The crew informed the tower they had landed, prompting the question, ‘Where exactly did you land?'” Keyamo added, noting that the crew mistook the construction site, which appeared like a runway, for the airport.
Following the disembarkation of passengers, the plane subsequently proceeded to Lagos. Keyamo emphasized, “There was no mechanical failure. That is why they were able to take off again.” He further indicated that the circumstances of the landing have garnered the interest of security agencies, elevating the issue beyond aviation concerns to matters of national security.
The minister noted that the investigation would involve various security authorities, remarking, “The facts surrounding this incident have reached the Department of State Services (DSS). It is no longer merely aviation-related; it’s now a matter for security agencies. A report will first be submitted to the president because of its national security ramifications.” Specific details regarding the security inquiry were not disclosed.
Regulatory Response and Ongoing Investigations
Previous reports from PREMIUM TIMES revealed that the incident transpired on June 10. In the aftermath, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) grounded the aircraft and suspended the non-commercial flight permit of VMO Aero Limited, the operator. The regulatory body has also initiated an investigation into the flight crew, particularly for their decision to depart for Lagos without the necessary regulatory approval, a violation of aviation regulations.
The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has deployed investigators to the site and recovered critical flight data, including the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR), to ascertain the details of the flight’s final moments. VMO Aero later disclosed that the crew aborted an unstable approach before landing on the road adjacent to the airport’s runway. They have confirmed that there were no injuries or damage to property and stated their commitment to cooperating with the investigation.
Addressing Industry Challenges
During the interview, Keyamo also addressed the concerns raised by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regarding the high cost of airline operations in Nigeria. He shared that President Bola Tinubu has approved the formation of a committee comprising officials from the Ministries of Aviation and Finance, as well as representatives from tax authorities and Airlines of Nigeria (AON).
This committee is tasked with reviewing various taxes, levies, and charges that impact airlines operating within the country. Keyamo indicated that the group will propose measures aimed at reducing operating costs while simultaneously ensuring the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
