The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, which took off from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos to Washington, United States, was forced to declare emergency and made air return after about two hours of flight out of the departure airport.

The aircraft was carrying 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots at the time of the incident, which reportedly occurred over Ivory Coast airspace. Sources said several passengers and crew members sustained minor injuries.

The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu said that the regulatory authority is investigating the cause of the incident and examining the aircraft Flight Data Recorder (FDR) to ascertain the exact cause of the incident.

According to Achimugu, the regulatory authority will only base its findings on facts from its investigation and not from feedback from the airline or the passengers. He promised that the NCAA would issue an official statement on its findings at the end of the investigation.

Achimugu said that he led a team that visited the hotels to see the passengers who were in the flight and the hospital to see those who are receiving treatment.

“We are investigating the incident. We have received Flight Data Recorder in order to ascertain exactly what happened. When something happens, you have to investigate it before you issue a statement. We want to know exactly what happened. Meanwhile, we have met with some of the passengers in the hotel and in the hospital to give them support and some degree of care,” Achimugu said.

Meanwhile, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), said in a statement that its rescue team safely deboarded 256 persons on board when the aircraft made emergency landing.

The statement signed by Director, Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah added: “United Airlines aeroplane Boeing 787-800 departed from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at 23:59 on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Hours later, the aircraft made an air return and landed safely at 03:22 this morning.

“On board were 245 adults and 11 crew members. The team of Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS), Aviation Medical and, Aviation Security (AVSEC) were already at the gate when the aeroplane parked for deboarding at D31 without incident, and the door was opened at 03:37. While all passengers and crew disembarked safely, four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries, and an additional 27 passengers and five crew members had minor injuries. The rescue team responded swiftly and effectively, having been on alert and standby just four minutes after the pilot reported distress at 01:20.

“Aviation Medical ambulances transported the injured passengers—some to the MMA Clinic and others to the Headquarters Clinic. Those with minor injuries received first aid and were discharged immediately, while those with serious injuries were stabilised and transferred to the Duchess Hospital in Ikeja. Some passengers were also taken to a hotel for accommodation. The aircraft itself did not sustain any major damage.”