Airport runway reopens following landing accident in Nigeria

LAGOS -- The runway at an airport in Nigeria's economic hub Lagos reopened Tuesday evening after temporary close following a commercial plane carrying 139 people making an emergency landing.

Khalid Emele, spokesperson for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, who confirmed the latest development to reporters, said Notice To Airmen was issued to airlines concerning the reopening of the runway at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

The runway was closed after a Boeing 737 aircraft of local airline Air Peace lost its front tyre while making an emergency landing at the airport.

Air Peace Chief Operating Officer Oluwatoyin Olajide commended in a statement Pilot-in-Charge Simisola Ajibola for her professionalism.

"Ajibola noticed sudden weather change when approaching Lagos and demanded to land on the international runway as it is longer and wider than the domestic runway."

After landing safely and rolling to the runway exit, the nose wheel developed a problem and partial collapse, Olajide said.

The runway was shut for flight operations following the incident.

Akin Olateru, commissioner of the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) under the Ministry of Transportation, said the bureau had been notified of the incident and had sent its inspectors to the site.

"The aircraft, with 133 passengers and six crew members on board, was on approach to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos from Port Harcourt," Olateru said.

Olateru said the AIB was informed of a minor injury but no fatality, and a team of safety investigators have commenced investigation.