A United Airlines flight bound for Washington Dulles International Airport made an emergency return to Lagos on Thursday following a technical issue. The Boeing 787-8, carrying 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots, declared an emergency mid-flight and safely landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport with emergency responders on standby.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed that 33 individuals sustained injuries—six serious and 27 minor—during the incident. Passengers reported turbulence, with food and luggage scattered across the cabin. The injured were treated at medical facilities, while those unharmed were accommodated in hotels. FAAN’s rescue team, including fire services and medical personnel, ensured a swift response, arriving within minutes of the distress call.
United Airlines attributed the incident to a "technical issue" and noted the crew’s efforts in managing the situation. Passengers commended the safe landing despite the ordeal. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed that the airline adhered to regulatory requirements by lodging passengers in hotels post-incident.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau will determine the exact cause of the emergency. FAAN assured the public of its commitment to safety and efficiency in handling aviation incidents. Further updates on the investigation are expected.
