2 Crew Members, 4 Passengers Injured As United Airlines Makes Emergency Landing In Lagos

Two crew members and four passengers were on Friday injured after a United States-bound United Airlines made an emergency landing at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

LEADERSHIP reports that a United Airlines flight bound for Washington Dulles International Airport in the United States was forced to make an emergency return to Lagos on Thursday after developing a technical fault mid-air.

A statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Obiageli Orah, said the United Airlines airplane, a Boeing 787-800 departed from MMIA, Lagos at 23:59 on Thursday, January 23, 2025.

The FAAN spokesperson said the airlines made an air return hours after take-off and landed safely.

“United Airlines aeroplane Boeing 787-800 departed from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos at 23:59 on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Hours later, the aircraft made an air return and landed safely at 03:22 this morning.

“On board were 245 adults and 11 crew members. The team of Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS), Aviation Medical and, Aviation Security (AVSEC) were already at the gate when the aeroplane parked for deboarding at D31 without incident, and the door was opened at 03:37,” Orah said.

While all passengers and crew disembarked safely, FAAN said four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries, and an additional 27 passengers and five crew members had minor injuries.

“The rescue team responded swiftly and effectively, having been on alert and standby just four minutes after the pilot reported distress at 01:20.

“Aviation Medical ambulances transported the injured passengers—some to the MMA Clinic and others to the Headquarters Clinic. Those with minor injuries received first aid and were discharged immediately, while those with serious injuries were stabilised and transferred to the Duchess Hospital in Ikeja.

“Some passengers were also taken to a hotel for accommodation. The aircraft itself did not sustain any major damage,” the statement added.

Orah said the Authority will continue to provide updates as they become available.