The jet explosion incident made the United Nigeria plane land at Lagos Airport

United Nigeria Airlines has confirmed that one of its aircraft was damaged at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos after being hit by a jet blast from a nearby aircraft during ground operations.

The development was revealed in a travel alert issued by the airline on Sunday, which indicated that the incident occurred at the domestic terminal as the plane was preparing for its next flight.

The airline explained that the Embraer 190 aircraft had previously arrived from Akanu Ibiam International Airport on Flight UN0503 and was on standby for the next scheduled departure when the accident occurred.

“United Nigeria Airlines wishes to inform its passengers and the general public of a ground incident involving one of the aircraft operating at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MM2), Lagos,” the statement read.

According to the airline, the plane was stationed in an open parking lot with two other planes at the time of the incident, with a lot of movement going on around it.

“While preparations to board passengers for another scheduled flight were underway, a nearby aircraft, having completed its own boarding process, began taxiing. At the same time, another aircraft was performing pushback to the taxiway,” he said.

The airline noted that the simultaneous maneuvers created a powerful jet burst in the area.

“During simultaneous ground movements, the maneuvering aircraft maneuvered in such a way that it resulted in a significant jet burst within the ramp area,” the statement added.

It was further explained that the powerful explosion caused equipment on the ground to shift, resulting in damage.

“The force of the jet’s explosion shifted a baggage trolley belonging to the ground handling company, which then made contact with the United Nigeria Airlines plane,” he said.

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The aircraft, which was scheduled to operate Flight UN0500 around noon, suffered damage to major exterior parts.

“The impact resulted in damage to external components, including the antenna and the forward area of ​​the fuselage near the nose landing gear,” the statement said.

Following the incident, the airline said the aircraft had been withdrawn from service as a precaution.

“In accordance with our strict and uncompromising safety standards, the affected aircraft have been withdrawn from service for a comprehensive inspection before returning to service,” he said.

United Nigeria Airlines reiterates its commitment to passenger safety and operational excellence, and apologizes for any inconvenience caused.

“United Nigeria Airlines remains committed to upholding the highest safety standards. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this unexpected development may cause to your travel plans,” the statement added.

The airline also assured affected passengers that steps have been taken to address the disruption and provide necessary assistance.