An Arik Air Boeing 737-700 aircraft made an emergency diversion to Benin Airport on Wednesday, February 11, after experiencing an engine failure mid-flight while operating a scheduled service from Lagos to Port Harcourt.
The aircraft, registered 5N-MJF and flying as Arik Air flight W3 740, developed abnormal engine indications during the cruise phase of the journey.
Passengers onboard later reported hearing a loud bang from the left engine, which raised immediate concern among the flight crew.
Confirming the incident, Arik Air’s Public Relations and Communications Manager, Adebanji Ola, said the unusual sound coming from the left engine prompted the cockpit crew to take precautionary action.
He explained that the aircraft was already on descent into Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, when the engine anomaly occurred.
As a safety measure, the pilots diverted the aircraft to Benin Airport, which was the nearest suitable airport at the time.
The aircraft landed safely in Benin, and all 80 passengers and crew members onboard were evacuated without injury.
According to the airline, passengers were calmly disembarked after landing, and arrangements were immediately made to transport them to their final destination.
“We sincerely apologise to the affected Port Harcourt passengers whose journey was disrupted,” Arik Air said in a statement.
“The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority.”
Investigation
Nigeria’s Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has since commenced an investigation into the incident.
In a statement issued by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Oladeji, the NSIB confirmed that the aircraft suffered an in-flight engine anomaly, which led to the emergency diversion.
According to the bureau, flight data indicated that during the cruise phase, the crew detected abnormal readings on one of the engines. In line with established aviation safety procedures, the pilots conducted a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to Benin Airport.
Oladeji added that preliminary observations at the diversion airport revealed significant damage to the affected engine, based on an initial visual inspection.
She said further technical examinations would be carried out as the investigation progresses to determine the exact cause of the engine failure.
The incident adds to ongoing discussions around aviation safety in Nigeria, with regulators reiterating the importance of strict compliance with safety protocols and timely maintenance of aircraft operating in the country’s airspace.
