An Arik Air Boeing 737-700 aircraft operating a domestic flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt was forced to divert to Benin Airport on Wednesday after the crew detected an engine problem during descent, aviation authorities have confirmed.
The Boeing aircraft, registered 5N-MJF and operating flight W3 740, was approaching Port Harcourt International Airport (Omagwa) when the flight crew heard a loud bang and noticed unusual indications from the left engine, prompting them to take precautionary action and divert to the nearest suitable airport.
Arik Air spokesperson Adebanjo Ola said all 80 passengers and crew on board landed safely in Benin and were disembarked without any injuries. The airline apologised for the disruption, emphasising that the safety of passengers and crew is its top priority, and noted that arrangements were being made to transport travellers to their original destination.
Confirming the incident, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) described it as an in-flight engine anomaly, saying the crew followed standard safety procedures by shutting down the affected engine and diverting to Benin. The aircraft touched down safely, and no one on board was harmed.
Preliminary visual inspections by NSIB personnel at Benin indicate significant damage to the affected engine, and the bureau has begun a full investigation in line with its mandate and international aviation standards under ICAO Annex 13. A team is en route to the diversion airport to secure the aircraft, gather evidence, interview relevant personnel and witnesses, and retrieve flight data and cockpit voice recorder information.
NSIB said a preliminary report is expected within 30 days, with a final report to be published once the investigation is complete.