Passengers onboard an Arik Air flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt were thrown into moments of intense anxiety on Wednesday morning after the aircraft developed an engine fault mid-flight, prompting an emergency diversion to Benin City.
The affected aircraft, a Boeing 737-700 with registration number 5N-MJF operating as Flight W3 740, was reportedly descending into Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, when the flight crew detected a loud bang from the left engine — a development that immediately triggered safety protocols.
Demonstrating swift adherence to aviation safety standards, the pilots opted to divert to the nearest suitable airport as a precautionary measure.
The aircraft subsequently landed safely at Benin Airport without further incident.
Arik Air confirmed that all 80 passengers and crew members onboard disembarked safely, with no injuries recorded.
The airline also disclosed that alternative arrangements were promptly made to transport affected passengers to Port Harcourt.
In an official statement, the airline’s Public Relations and Communications Manager, Adebanji Ola, expressed regret over the disruption while reiterating the carrier’s uncompromising commitment to safety.
“The safety and wellbeing of passengers is always our priority at Arik Air. We sincerely apologise to the affected Port Harcourt passengers whose journey has been disrupted,” the statement read.
While the incident ended without casualties, it underscores the critical importance of strict compliance with safety procedures and rapid response mechanisms in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Credit: politicsnigeria except headline
