There was a moment of concern in Nigeria’s aviation space this morning after an Arik Air flight en route from Lagos to Port Harcourt was forced to make an emergency diversion.
Flight W3 740, operated by a Boeing 737-700 aircraft, was already descending toward Port Harcourt International Airport when the flight crew reported hearing a loud bang from the left engine.
In a statement by the airline’s spokesman, Mr. Banji Ola, acting swiftly and in line with safety procedures, the pilots diverted the aircraft to Benin Airport as a precautionary measure.
The aircraft landed safely in Benin, with all 80 passengers and crew members onboard disembarking without injury.
Airline officials have since confirmed that arrangements are being made to transport the affected passengers to their final destination in Port Harcourt.
The airline has apologized to passengers for the disruption, assuring the public that safety remains its top priority while investigations into the incident continue.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen