In the early hours of Friday, January 24, 2025, a United Airlines Boeing 787-800 safely returned to Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, following an in-flight emergency.
The aircraft, which departed at 23:59 on Thursday, January 23, made an air return and landed safely at 03:22, ensuring the safety of all 256 souls on board, including 245 passengers and 11 crew members.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) promptly deployed its Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS), Aviation Medical team, and Aviation Security (AVSEC) to manage the situation.
The rescue teams were on high alert and ready within minutes of the distress call, which was reported at 01:20.
The aircraft parked at gate D31 at 03:37, where the team facilitated a swift and safe deboarding process.
According to FAAN, while all passengers and crew disembarked without incident, six individuals four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries. An additional 27 passengers and five crew members reported minor injuries.
FAAN’s Aviation Medical ambulances transported the injured to medical facilities, including the MMA Clinic, the Headquarters Clinic, and Duchess Hospital, Ikeja.
Those with minor injuries received first aid and were discharged, while the seriously injured were stabilised and remain under observation. Other passengers were accommodated at a nearby hotel.
Commending the quick response and professionalism of the rescue teams, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, stated, “Our rescue and medical teams demonstrated exceptional readiness and efficiency, ensuring that lives were prioritised and injuries promptly managed.
The safety of passengers remains our utmost priority, and today’s incident highlights the robust systems we have in place to handle emergencies of this nature.”
The aircraft itself was undamaged, and FAAN has assured the public that operations at MMIA are continuing seamlessly.
