By Attah Ede
An Arik Air Boeing 737-700 Lagos–Port Harcourt flight, on Wednesday made an emergency diversion to Benin Airport after the crew heard a loud bang from one of the aircraft’s engines.
This development caused severe panic among passengers when the aircraft developed an engine fault mid-flight.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) described the incident as involving “significant damage” to the affected engine.
Arik Air’s spokesperson, Adebanjo Ola, said the aircraft, registered 5N-MJF and operating flight W3 740 from Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, to Port Harcourt International Airport, was descending into Port Harcourt when the left engine produced a loud bang.
He added that the crew immediately took precautionary measures and diverted the flight to Benin, while all 80 passengers and crew on board were safely evacuated after the aircraft landed in Benin.
According to him, there were no injuries reported, stating that arrangements had been made to transport the passengers to their final destination.
“In line with established safety protocols, the pilots immediately opted to divert to the nearest airport as a precautionary measure. The aircraft subsequently landed safely at Benin Airport without further incident.
“Arik Air in an update confirmed that all 80 passengers and crew members on board disembarked safely, with no injuries reported”, Ola said.
He apologised for the disruption caused by the diversion and reassured passengers that safety remains its top priority.
“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 said.
Confirming the incident, NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, said the aircraft experienced an in-flight engine anomaly.
According to him, abnormal indications on the engine prompted a precautionary shutdown and diversion.
“The aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally. No injuries have been reported,” Oladeji said.
He maintained that the NSIB has begun a full investigation under international standards set by ICAO Annex 13.
He added that a preliminary assessment team has been deployed to Benin to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview personnel and witnesses, and recover flight data and cockpit voice recorder information.
The bureau said a preliminary report would be issued within 30 days, with a final report to follow upon completion of the investigation.
