80 plane passengers have escaped death after an Arik Air Boeing 737-700 operating a scheduled domestic service was forced to reroute mid-flight following a suspected engine malfunction.
The aircraft, registered as 5N-MJF, had departed Lagos for Port Harcourt when the crew detected an unusual sound from the left engine.
According to airline officials, a loud bang was heard in the cockpit as the jet began its descent, triggering immediate safety protocols.
In response, the pilots opted to divert the flight to Benin Airport rather than continue to its intended destination.
Aviation sources explained that such precautionary diversions are standard procedure whenever technical anomalies are identified during flight operations.
Arik Air’s Public Relations and Communications Manager, Adebanji Ola, confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday.
He said the decision to reroute the aircraft was taken purely as a preventive measure.
“Our crew acted in strict compliance with aviation safety standards,” Ola said.
“The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers were calmly disembarked without any injuries.”
Furthermore, the airline assured affected travellers that logistical arrangements were swiftly activated to ensure they reached Port Harcourt with minimal delay.
“We regret the inconvenience caused by the disruption,” the airline spokesperson added.
“However, passenger safety and operational integrity remain our overriding priorities.”
The incident occurred on February 11, 2026, as the flight was approaching Port Harcourt International Airport in Omagwa.
Aviation analysts note that while engine-related alerts can be alarming, modern commercial aircraft are designed to handle such contingencies without compromising passenger safety.
The aircraft has since been withdrawn temporarily for technical inspection, in line with regulatory compliance and maintenance protocols.
AFRIPOST reports that the swift diversion shows the importance of crew training and adherence to international aviation safety procedures within Nigeria’s domestic airspace.