Trending 
An Arik Air Boeing 737-700 travelling from Lagos to Port Harcourt made an emergency diversion to Benin Airport on Wednesday after the crew detected a loud bang from one of the engines.
Arik Air spokesperson Adebanjo Ola explained that the crew heard a loud noise from the left engine during descent, prompting them to take precautionary measures and divert the aircraft safely to Benin.
He said the diversion was carried out in line with safety procedures and confirmed that all 80 passengers and crew members disembarked safely after landing.
“The aircraft was on its descent to Port Harcourt when the operating crew heard a loud bang on the left engine. As a precautionary measure, the crew made a safe diversion to Benin.”
“There were no injuries to passengers and crew as all 80 passengers on board were safely disembarked. Arrangements have been made to transport the affected passengers to their final destination.”
The aircraft, registered 5N-MJF and operating flight W3 740 from Murtala Muhammed Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport, encountered the issue while descending into Port Harcourt.
The airline has apologised for the disruption, emphasising that passenger safety remains its top priority.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has also confirmed the development.
According to the agency’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Oladeji, abnormal engine indications were observed during the flight, leading the crew to shut down the affected engine as a precaution before diverting to Benin.
She stated that the aircraft landed without incident and that passengers and crew exited normally, with no injuries recorded.
The NSIB disclosed that preliminary visual inspections at Benin Airport indicated significant damage to the affected engine.
“In accordance with established safety procedures, the flight crew conducted a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to the nearest suitable airport, Benin.
“The aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally. No injuries have been reported,” she stated.
The bureau has since launched a full investigation in accordance with its statutory mandate and international aviation standards under ICAO Annex 13.
A preliminary assessment team has been dispatched to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview relevant personnel and witnesses, and retrieve flight data and cockpit voice recorder information.
The agency said a preliminary report would be issued within 30 days, while a final report would follow at the conclusion of the investigation.
