Pilot Lands At Wrong Airport

An Ethiopian Airlines plane travelling from Addis Ababa in Ethiopia to Zambia this weekend landed at the wrong airport.

The pilot touched down at the uncompleted airport in Copperbelt province, which is still under construction. The plane was scheduled to arrive at Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport.

According to Ministry of Transport permanent secretary Misheck Lungu the landing was an error. As the radar was unable to identify the plane as it was coming in to land the pilot has to rely on his sight to guide him in.

No damage resulted and the pilot later flew the plane to its intended destination. The incident is being investigated.

The new Chinese-built airport is a $397 million facility that will have greater capacity than Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe, as well as upgraded amenities and 3,500 metres of runway. It was due for completion last year but has been delayed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.