Allen Onyema’s Air Peace suffers aircraft damage after NAHCO ground collision in Lagos

Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline by fleet size, has confirmed that one of its Airbus A320 aircraft sustained significant damage on the ground at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 after a ground handling vehicle operated by Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc crashed into its engine.

The incident occurred shortly after the arrival of Flight P47427 from Kano and the safe disembarkation of passengers, according to a statement from the airline founded by Allen Onyema. The news comes 52 days after Air Peace took delivery of another Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft to strengthen its operational capacity.

Aircraft rendered unserviceable

Air Peace said the baggage conveyor belt vehicle “tore into the aircraft,” leaving it completely unserviceable and forcing immediate operational adjustments.

The affected Airbus A320 had been scheduled to operate multiple flights across the airline’s domestic and regional network in the coming days. As a result, the disruption is expected to trigger delays and possible cancellations while the airline reallocates aircraft across its fleet.

The airline apologized to passengers, noting that its operations and customer service teams are working to provide alternatives and minimize inconvenience.

Investigation underway

Air Peace said it is working with the ground handling company and aviation authorities to determine the cause of the incident and prevent a recurrence.

The airline reiterated that safety remains its top priority, covering passengers, crew, and equipment.

Spotlight on NAHCO leadership

The incident brings attention to Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading aviation service providers, chaired by Nigerian businessman Seinde Oladapo Fadeni.

Fadeni indirectly controls approximately 497.29 million shares in NAHCO through his investment vehicle, Godsmart Nigeria Limited, representing about 25.51% of the company. Based on an estimated market valuation of roughly N454 billion (about $332.55 million), the holding is valued at approximately N101.42 billion (about $74.29 million). 

Beyond aviation, Fadeni has built a diversified portfolio spanning energy, logistics, and infrastructure. He is the founder of GMT Energy Resources Limited, an indigenous oil and gas company with interests in upstream and industrial energy projects.

His broader investments extend into maritime logistics and industrial yard development, reinforcing his position within Nigeria’s real economy, while NAHCO continues to play a key role in ground handling, cargo logistics, and passenger support services across major airports.

Onyema’s broader strategy and operational impact

Founded in 2013 by Allen Onyema, Air Peace operates a fleet of about 40 aircraft. The airline has grown to become Nigeria’s and West Africa’s largest by fleet size and ranks sixth across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Air Peace serves 20 destinations, covering 19 cities in Nigeria and 11 cities across nine other countries, including the UK, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Benin, and Guinea. Onyema is further expanding the airline through strategic partnerships and the Lagos MRO, a move designed to reduce reliance on foreign maintenance services and strengthen the local aviation industry.

For Air Peace, the incident underscores the operational risks tied to ground handling activities, especially for a fast-growing airline expanding its fleet and route network. The airline has urged passengers to remain patient as it manages the disruption, with efforts underway to restore normal flight schedules as quickly as possible.