FAAN safely manages emergency air return of United Airlines flight

A United Airlines Boeing 787-800 aircraft made an emergency air return to Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, in the early hours of Friday, following a distress call from the pilot.

The flight, which departed MMIA at 23:59 on Thursday, January 23, 2025, safely landed at 03:22 this morning with 256 people on board, including 245 passengers and 11 crew members.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) swiftly mobilised its Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS), Aviation Medical Services, and Aviation Security (AVSEC) teams to ensure the safe evacuation of all aboard. The aircraft was parked at Gate D31, where the door was opened at 03:37, allowing passengers and crew to disembark without incident.

However, four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries, while 27 passengers and five crew members suffered minor injuries. The aviation medical team promptly transported the injured to nearby medical facilities. Those with minor injuries were treated and discharged, while individuals with serious injuries were stabilised and transferred to the Duchess Hospital in Ikeja. Accommodation was also arranged for some passengers.

FAAN confirmed that the aircraft itself did not sustain major damage during the emergency.

Mrs. Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection at FAAN, commended the rescue teams for their rapid response and assured the public of FAAN’s continued commitment to passenger safety.