VMO Aero Ltd has broken its silence on the Asaba Airport incident of June 10, 2026. The airline operator released a statement defending its crew's handling of the troubled flight.
A scheduled service from Lagos encountered problems during descent into Asaba. Accountable Manager Oluwaseun Ayodeji confirmed the details in a June 12 statement.
Ayodeji explained that pilots identified instability in their approach path. They immediately abandoned the first landing attempt, he noted.
A second approach followed, but things went wrong. The aircraft ultimately touched down on a road beside the runway.
According to VMO Aero, the crew acted within proper safety guidelines throughout. Safety protocols were followed at every stage, the company said.
No passengers, crew, or people on the ground suffered injuries. Property damage also did not occur, VMO Aero confirmed.
"We are pleased to confirm that there were no injuries to any persons, no damage to property, and that the aircraft subsequently returned safely to Lagos," Ayodeji stated.
The plane later flew back to Lagos without incident. Ayodeji credited this to the effectiveness of crew decisions.
VMO Aero acknowledged the gravity of what happened. The company recognized that regulators would examine the occurrence closely.
Aviation authorities have launched investigations into the incident. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) leads the probe.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is also involved. Other relevant agencies are participating in the review.
VMO Aero told reporters it's cooperating fully with all investigators. The airline expressed commitment to working constructively with authorities.
Ayodeji noted: "VMO Aero is constructively engaging with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and other relevant authorities to support a review of the occurrence and the implementation of any necessary actions."
The company aims to support thorough review of what transpired. It pledged to implement whatever measures investigators recommend.
Transparency and regulatory compliance remain core values, VMO Aero stressed. The operator said it takes these commitments seriously.
Finally, the airline apologized to affected passengers and the travelling public. It acknowledged that flight disruptions create genuine hardship for people.
