Two crew members and four passengers were injured on Friday when a United States-bound United Airlines made an emergency landing at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
LEADERSHIP Weekend learnt that the flight bound for Washington Dulles International Airport was forced to make an emergency return to Lagos on Thursday after developing a technical fault mid-air.
FAAN Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, stated that the United Airlines aeroplane Boeing 787-800 departed from MMIA, Lagos, at 23:59 on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
According to the FAAN spokesperson, the airline 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.”
While all passengers and crew disembarked safely, 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 Authority will continue to provide updates as they become available.”
