Yemisi Izuora
A Dana Air plane on Tuesday overshot the runway of the Port Harcourt Airport, Rivers State, after it touched down.
The aircraft, with number 9J0363, flew into Port Harcourt after taking passengers from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
An aircraft is said to have overshot the runway when it moves past a specified point unintentionally, and this can be as a result of too much speed or that the plane is unable to stop.
But in this case, it was learnt that the incident, which had no casualty, was suspected to have been due to heavy rainfall in Port Harcourt.
The General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Henrietta Yakubu, confirmed the incident.
She said, “A Dana aircraft numbered 9J0363, flying from Abuja to Port Harcourt airport has overshot the Port Harcourt runway.
“The incident was suspected to have been caused by a heavy rain, which was accompanied by strong wind and storm in Port Harcourt.
“No casualty was recorded, as all passengers on board were safely evacuated.” –
Meanwhile, Dana Air has scheduled to fly travel agents, tour operators and media to the Akwa Ibom State on a 2-day familiarization trip in partnership with Ibom Hotels & Golf Resort on February 23, 2018.
Dana Air said this is part of its efforts towards developing tourism in Akwa Ibom state,
Communications Manager of Dana Air, Mr. Kingsley Ezenwa who made this known to the media said, ‘we are supporting this Fam trip as result of our firm commitment towards developing tourism in Nigeria and contributing positively to the economy of any state we fly.’’
Speaking further, Kingsley said, “you cannot talk about tourism without aviation and vice versa, and it’s not just about flying to a state but helping to build the potential of the state.’’
Commenting on the initiative, the CEO of Nigeria Travel Week, Efetobo Awhana said,’ that the major objective of Nigeria Travel Week is to promote domestic and inbound tourism in Nigeria.
‘We are convinced that we have a huge market that can buy into domestic tourism with sustained and strategic promotion and we believe this Fam trip will help travel professionals, and media to learn more about the destinations and make it easier for them to sell to their customers.’
‘We are grateful to Dana Air for always being committed to its Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS) and Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort for supporting,’’ he added.
Dana Air, the official carrier of Akwa United FC of Akwa Ibom state, is one of Nigeria’s leading airlines with over 27 daily flights from Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt , Uyo and Owerri.