Passengers aboard Arik Air flight W3 740 from Lagos to Port Harcourt experienced a tense moment on February 11, 2026, when the aircraft diverted to Benin Airport after the crew detected a possible engine problem mid-flight.
The Boeing 737-700 aircraft, registered 5N-MJF, was descending toward Port Harcourt when a loud bang was heard from the left engine. As a precaution, the flight crew diverted the aircraft to Benin, where it landed safely without incident.
Arik Air confirmed that all 80 passengers and crew were unharmed and disembarked normally.
The airline said arrangements were made to transport passengers to their final destination and apologised for the disruption, emphasising that safety remains its highest priority.
Nigeria’s aviation accident investigation authority, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), has since launched a formal investigation into the incident.
The Bureau confirmed that the crew detected abnormal engine indications and carried out a precautionary shutdown of the affected engine before diverting.
Preliminary inspection at Benin Airport revealed visible damage to the engine, according to NSIB spokesperson Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji.
Investigators are being deployed to secure the aircraft, collect evidence, interview witnesses and crew members, and retrieve flight data and cockpit voice recorder information.
The NSIB said it is collaborating with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and Arik Air to establish the exact cause of the anomaly.
A preliminary report will be issued within 30 days, followed by a final report once the investigation is completed.
Aviation authorities reassured the public that incidents of this nature are handled under strict international safety protocols, noting that the diversion and safe landing demonstrate standard emergency response procedures working effectively.
