Arik Air Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Engine Failure

By Afolabi Nelson

An Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL (5N-MJF) operating a domestic flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt on Wednesday was forced to make an emergency landing at Benin Airport after experiencing an in-flight engine anomaly.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed that all passengers and crew disembarked safely, with no injuries reported.

Preliminary assessments indicate significant damage to the affected engine.

NSIB said the flight crew, noticing abnormal engine indications during cruise, carried out a precautionary shutdown and diverted to the nearest suitable airport.

A team has been dispatched to Benin to secure the aircraft, collect evidence, and recover flight data and cockpit voice recordings.

The Bureau is working with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Arik Air, and other stakeholders to determine the sequence of events.

A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, while the final report will follow upon conclusion of the investigation.

NSIB stressed that passenger and public safety remain its top priority and urged anyone with information to come forward.