The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has said the pilot of the aborted Lagos-Abuja Aero Contractors flight acted according to Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the General Manager, Public Affairs, NCAA, Mr. Fan Ndubuoke in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the aircraft, at about 3.00pm on Tuesday, had a burst tyre while taxing off at the runway of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

NAN reports that the Aero Contractors Airline Flight 180, which was carrying 141 passengers, had to make an air return to Lagos less than 30 minutes after departure.

Confirming the incident, the statement said the aircraft developed technical problem midway into the operation which necessitated the air return.

"The NCAA has received the occurrence report and wishes to say the Pilot has acted according to Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

"All passengers were evacuated unhurt at the international wing of MMIA, Lagos, while the airline provided an alternative aircraft to ferry them to Abuja.

"Some of the passengers instead demanded for a refund of their fares while others were rescheduled for tomorrow morning,” the statement said.

It said the NCAA would promptly commence an inquiry into the incident and assured Nigerians that the Authority was very much committed to safety and security of passengers. (NAN)