A United Nigeria Airline (UNA) aircraft has been withdrawn from service following a ground incident caused by jet blast at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MM2), Lagos, yesterday.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the airline, Chibuike Uloka, said that the incident, which occurred during routine ground operations, involved an Embraer 190 aircraft that had earlier arrived from Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, as Flight UN0503 at about 8:40 a.m.

According to Uloka, the aircraft was parked at an open bay between two other planes when simultaneous ground movement by nearby aircraft triggered the incident.

He said that while United Nigeria Airline was preparing to board passengers for another scheduled flight (UN0500), one aircraft began taxiing after completing boarding, while another initiated pushback onto the taxiway.

According to him, the resulting jet blast from the taxiing aircraft generated a strong force across the ramp area, displacing a baggage trolley belonging to a ground handling company.

“The trolley was subsequently blown into the United Nigeria aircraft, causing damage to critical external components, including the antenna and part of the forward fuselage near the nose landing gear,” he said.

Following the incident, the airline said the aircraft had been immediately withdrawn from operations in line with safety procedures.

He said: “The affected aircraft has been taken out of service for a comprehensive inspection before it can return to operations.

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

“In adherence to our strict and uncompromising safety standards, the affected aircraft has been withdrawn from service for a comprehensive inspection before returning to operations. United Nigeria Airlines remains committed to upholding the highest safety standards.”

The Airline, however, apologised to passengers for the disruption caused by the incident, assuring that efforts were ongoing to minimise inconvenience and support affected travellers.

The United Nigeria also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high safety standards in all its operations.