An Arik Air Boeing 737-700 operating a Lagos–Port Harcourt flight made an emergency diversion to Benin Airport on Wednesday after the crew detected a loud bang in one of the aircraft’s engines.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) later confirmed that the incident involved “significant damage” to the affected engine.
Arik Air’s spokesperson, Adebanjo Ola, said the aircraft, registered 5N-MJF, was operating flight W3 740 from Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, to Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, when the incident occurred.
“The aircraft was on its descent to Port Harcourt when the operating crew heard a loud bang from the left engine. As a precautionary measure, the crew made a safe diversion to Benin,” Ola said.
All 80 passengers and crew on board were safely evacuated after the aircraft landed in Benin, with no injuries reported. “Arrangements have been made to transport the affected passengers to their final destination,” the airline added.
Ola apologised for the disruption, emphasising that safety remains the airline’s top priority. “We sincerely apologise to the affected Port Harcourt passengers whose journey has been disrupted. The safety and well-being of passengers is always our priority at Arik Air,” he said.
Confirming the incident, the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, said abnormal indications were detected on one of the engines during the flight, prompting a precautionary engine shutdown and diversion.
“In accordance with established safety procedures, the flight crew conducted a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to the nearest suitable airport, Benin. The aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally. No injuries have been reported,” Oladeji said.
The NSIB has launched a full investigation in line with its statutory mandate and international standards under ICAO Annex 13. Preliminary observations at the diversion airport indicate significant damage to the affected engine.
“A preliminary assessment team has been deployed to Benin to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview relevant personnel and witnesses, and recover flight data and cockpit voice recorder information,” the bureau said.
The NSIB noted that a preliminary report would be issued within 30 days, while the final report would be released at the conclusion of the investigation.
