No fewer than 248 passengers narrowly escaped disaster on Friday night when a Qatar Airways aircraft developed a technical fault mid-air and was forced to make an emergency landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed that the aircraft, carrying 248 passengers and 12 crew members, experienced the problem while in Nigerian airspace, triggering distress alerts and prompting an immediate emergency response.
According to a preliminary report obtained by The Telegraph, LASEMA activated the state’s emergency response plan upon receiving the distress call through its 767/112 toll-free emergency lines.
“Following distress alerts received at the Command and Control Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, LASEMA promptly activated the State’s Emergency Response Plans,” the report, signed by Permanent Secretary Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, stated.
Eyewitnesses described tense moments as emergency responders lined the runway while passengers braced for the unexpected landing.
LASEMA said the aircraft safely touched down under the pilot’s skillful handling, with emergency teams on “extreme high alert.”
“All passengers were evacuated safely, and no casualties were reported,” the agency confirmed. It added that there was no significant damage to the aircraft, which has since been secured for detailed inspection and necessary repairs.
The emergency response involved LASEMA’s Command and Control Centre, LASAMBUS, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) also confirmed the incident. Spokesperson Michael Achimugu said via WhatsApp: “I can confirm that there was an air return. Details will be communicated later.”
As of filing, Qatar Airways had not responded to inquiries sent to its country manager, Ken Chirchir.
