A Lufthansa Airbus A330 heading to Frankfurt had to offload 45 passengers due to safety concerns. According to Sahara Reporters, a large hole developed at one end of the runway at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Nigeria. This issue led aviation authorities from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to restrict part of the runway, reducing its usable length for departures.
The shortened runway posed challenges for Lufthansa's Airbus A330-300 widebody jet, which typically requires a longer distance for safe takeoff. While minimum takeoff distances can vary based on factors like aircraft weight and weather conditions, the full load capacity may necessitate approximately 2,700 to 3,100 meters.
Initially, 200 passengers were booked on the flight. The airline’s Airbus A330-300 accommodates up to 255 passengers across business class, premium economy, and economy sections.