Asaba landing: VMO Aero defends ‘unstable approach’ maneuver

The operator of the aircraft involved in the occurrence near Asaba Airport on 10 June 2026, VMO Aero Ltd, has clarified the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The operator said the incident happened during a scheduled flight from Lagos to Asaba and stressed that no injuries or property damage were recorded.

In a statement issued on 12 June 2026, Oluwaseun Ayodeji, the company’s Accountable Manager, explained that the aircraft departed Lagos as planned before encountering challenges during its approach into Asaba Airport.

According to VMO Aero Ltd, the crew identified an unstable approach and acted in line with established aviation safety procedures.

The operator stated that the flight crew discontinued the initial approach after determining it was unstable. A second approach was then attempted. However, the aircraft eventually landed on a roadway running parallel to the runway at Asaba Airport.

Ayodeji said: “The aircraft departed Lagos as scheduled and, during its initial approach into Asaba Airport, the flight crew determined that the approach was unstable, leading to a discontinued approach.”

He added that the crew followed recognised safety protocols throughout the occurrence. The company maintained that safety remained the primary consideration during the flight.

According to VMO Aero Ltd, the incident ended without injuries to passengers, crew members, or persons on the ground. The operator also stated that there was no damage to surrounding property despite the unusual landing.

The company further disclosed that the aircraft later returned safely to Lagos. This development, it said, reflected the effectiveness of the crew’s actions following the occurrence.

Ayodeji stated: “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.”

The operator expressed appreciation that the event did not result in casualties. However, it acknowledged the seriousness of the occurrence and the need for regulatory scrutiny.

Meanwhile, VMO Aero Ltd said it is cooperating fully with aviation authorities investigating the event. The company confirmed that it is engaging constructively with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and other relevant agencies.

According to the statement, the collaboration aims to support the review process and facilitate any actions that may be required following the investigation. The company reiterated its commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance.

“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,” Ayodeji said.

In addition, the operator apologised for any inconvenience caused to the travelling public. It noted that authorities appropriately treat incidents affecting flight operations and regulatory compliance with utmost seriousness.