Passengers onboard an Arik Air flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt experienced a tense moment on Wednesday after the aircraft developed an engine problem mid-air.
The Boeing 737-7GL aircraft, with registration number 5N-MJF, was forced to make an emergency landing at Benin Airport after the crew detected abnormal engine readings during the cruise phase of the flight.
According to a statement released by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the pilots followed standard safety procedures by shutting down the affected engine as a precaution and diverting to the nearest suitable airport.
The aircraft landed safely at Benin Airport. All passengers and crew members disembarked normally, and no injuries were reported.
Initial observations at Benin Airport suggest the affected engine sustained significant damage based on a visual assessment. However, authorities have confirmed that the situation was handled professionally and in line with international aviation safety standards.
The NSIB has launched a full investigation into the incident. An assessment team is on its way to Benin to secure the aircraft, gather evidence, interview crew members and witnesses, and retrieve flight data and cockpit voice recordings.
The Bureau stated that it is working closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other aviation stakeholders to determine what caused the engine anomaly and whether any additional safety measures are required.
While emergency landings can be frightening, aviation experts note that such procedures are designed precisely to prevent disasters. In this case, swift action by the flight crew ensured that tragedy was avoided.