Arik Air Diverts Flight After Engine Anomaly — All Passengers Safe

An Arik Air Boeing 737‑700 aircraft was forced to divert to Benin Airport on Wednesday after the flight crew detected a potential engine issue during descent to Port Harcourt. The precautionary action ensured the safety of all onboard and prevented a possible in‑flight emergency.

Incident Overview

Flight W3 740, operating from Lagos to Port Harcourt International Airport (Omagwa), was nearing its destination when the crew heard a loud bang from the left engine. Following established aviation safety protocols, the pilots elected to divert the aircraft to Benin Airport instead of continuing with the original flight plan.

The decision came as a precautionary measure, reflecting international standards that prioritise passenger and crew safety at the first sign of a technical irregularity.

Safe Landing and Passenger Welfare

The aircraft, registered 5N‑MJF, landed safely at Benin Airport without further incident. All 80 passengers and crew disembarked unharmed, airline officials confirmed.

In a statement released after the safe landing, Arik Air’s Corporate Communications Manager, Adebanji Ola, expressed regret for the disruption and reassured the public: “There were no injuries to passengers and crew,” he said, adding that arrangements were being made to ensure affected travellers continued to their intended destination.

Why the Diversion Matters

Aviation experts note that diversions prompted by unusual sounds or suspected technical issues especially involving an engine are handled with utmost caution. The action taken by the Arik Air flight crew aligns with global safety practices that instruct pilots to err on the side of caution when confronted with potential mechanical irregularities.

Such decisions can cause delays and inconvenience for passengers. However, they significantly reduce risk, ensuring that any potential fault is assessed on the ground by maintenance teams.

Operational Response and Next Steps

Arik Air apologised to passengers whose travel plans were disrupted and reiterated that passenger safety remains its top priority. The airline pledged to continue working with aviation authorities to assess the cause of the anomaly and restore normal flight operations.

For passengers affected by the diversion, the airline has arranged onward travel and additional support where necessary.

Reassurance Amid Industry Challenges

The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Nigeria’s aviation sector, including aircraft maintenance, fleet management, and operational readiness. However, the swift and measured response by the pilots and airline staff highlights a commitment to safety that aligns with global aviation standards.