This is the terrifying moment airport ground staff ducked to avoid being decapitated by a plane's wing.

Footage shows five workers talking in front of a ValueJet aircraft parked at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Nigeria on Tuesday, August 5.

Moments later, the plane suddenly moved forward while the stunned employees were still on the tarmac, scrambling to get out of the way.

Three of the distressed staff were seen diving down as the plane's right wing passed dangerously close to them - inches from taking off their heads.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said the pilot had been suspended over the incident, which came during a flight to the capital Lagos.

The group said: 'Preliminary information indicates that the pilot in question commenced departure procedures from the designated bay without adhering to the mandatory pre-departure clearance protocols.

'This reckless action endangered the safety of ground personnel and other airport users, contravening established civil aviation regulations and international safety standards.

'Consequently, the Authority has taken immediate enforcement action by suspending the licences of the pilot, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba, with immediate effect.

'This suspension will remain in place pending the conclusion of a full investigation into the incident.'

The Nigerian airline acknowledged the incident and confirmed full cooperation with the NCAA investigation. They said an investigation had been launched into the incident involving the Mitsubishi CRJ-900LR aircraft.

They added: 'The crew involved was removed immediately from active duty, pending the outcome of a thorough internal review and investigation that has commenced to understand the root cause and prevent any recurrence.

'At ValueJet, safety is not negotiable. We operate under strict adherence to regulatory procedures and international safety standards, and we remain committed to accountability and improvement across all levels of our operations.'