Arik Air plane diverts to Benin after engine incident, all 80 onboard safe
An Arik Air Boeing 737-700 operating a Lagos to Port Harcourt flight made an emergency diversion to Benin airport on Wednesday after the crew reported hearing a loud bang from one of the aircraft’s engines.
The flight, W3 740, departed Murtala Muhammed airport in Lagos and was descending into Port Harcourt international airport when the abnormal sound was detected from the left engine. As a precaution, the crew followed safety procedures and diverted the aircraft to Benin.
Arik Air spokesperson Adebanjo Ola confirmed that the aircraft, registered 5N-MJF, landed safely in Benin. All 80 passengers and crew members onboard disembarked without injury. The airline said arrangements were made to transport the affected passengers to their final destination.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed the incident, describing it as an in-flight engine anomaly. The agency’s director of public affairs and family assistance, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, said abnormal engine indications prompted the crew to carry out a precautionary engine shutdown and divert to the nearest suitable airport in line with established safety procedures.
Preliminary observations at Benin airport indicated significant visible damage to the affected engine. The NSIB has commenced a full investigation in accordance with its statutory mandate and international standards under ICAO Annex 13.
A preliminary assessment team has been deployed to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview relevant personnel and witnesses, and retrieve data from the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder.
The bureau said a preliminary report will be issued within 30 days, while a final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.
Arik Air apologised for the disruption to passengers, reiterating that the safety and well-being of travellers remain its top priority.
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