NAF C-130 aircraft lands in Banjul en route to Portugal for maintenance

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that its C-130 transport aircraft, which earlier made a precautionary landing during a ferry flight, has safely continued its journey and landed in Banjul, The Gambia, en route to Portugal for scheduled depot maintenance.

In a statement on Tuesday by Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, the NAF said the aircraft transited Accra, Ghana, in line with an updated flight plan before proceeding to Banjul as part of its routing through Casablanca to Portugal, where it is programmed to undergo routine depot-level maintenance.

According to the Air Force, ferry flights for aircraft slated for maintenance are conducted strictly through designated airfields and with movements carefully spaced to comply with established aviation safety procedures.

The Service stressed that the precautionary landing earlier in the journey was carried out in line with global best practices to ensure the safety of both personnel and equipment.

“All personnel are safe, and the aircraft remains serviceable,” the statement said, adding that the flight has continued without further incident following the updated routing.

The NAF also expressed appreciation to the host authorities in Ghana, The Gambia, and other countries whose airspace was overflown during the operation, commending them for the cooperation and support extended to the crew.

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It further acknowledged the concern and goodwill shown by Nigerians following reports of the precautionary landing.

The Air Force reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism across all its operations, noting that routine maintenance of its fleet is a critical part of sustaining operational readiness and airworthiness.