Arik Air Boeing 737 flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt diverts to Benin Airport after in-flight engine trouble; all passengers and crew safe

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, has confirmed that an Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL aircraft, registration 5N-MJF, experienced engine trouble during a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt on Wednesday but diverted safely to Benin Airport.

Also read: AMCON Arik Loan Fraud Case Unfolds in Lagos Court

The Bureau, through its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, stated that the flight crew detected abnormal indications on one of the engines while cruising.

Following standard safety protocols, the crew performed a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to the nearest suitable airport.

“The aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally. No injuries have been reported,” Oladeji said.

Preliminary observations at Benin Airport indicate significant damage to the affected engine, based on an initial visual assessment.

The NSIB has initiated a formal investigation in accordance with its statutory mandate and international standards under ICAO Annex 13.

The assessment team is en route to Benin to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview relevant personnel and witnesses, and recover flight data and cockpit voice recorder information.

Also read: NCAA Confirms ₦1.04 Billion Airline Refunds to Nigerian Passengers

The Bureau confirmed it is coordinating closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Arik Air, and other stakeholders to establish the sequence of events and determine any contributing factors.