A United Airlines Boeing 787-8 flight, initially bound for Washington Dulles, declared an emergency on Thursday and made an unexpected return to Lagos due to a technical fault.
Tthe aircraft, which was registered as N27903 and is over 13 years old, signalled an emergency with transponder code 7700, maintaining constant communication with the control tower as it returned to Lagos.
The flight, carrying 245 passengers, 8 flight attendants, and 3 pilots, was en route to Washington Dulles International Airport when the emergency occurred.
Several passengers reportedly sustained injuries during the flight, with videos and pictures shared by distressed passengers showing the aircraft’s interior in disarray, with food and luggage scattered around due to the turbulence experienced.
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While the exact cause of the incident remains unclear, passengers speculated that the issue may have been related to the aircraft’s engine.
Only the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau is authorised to determine the official cause of such incidents.
Micheal Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), confirmed the situation, stating that the passengers had been accommodated in a hotel, as per the requirements of the regulatory act. “Yes, it is true, and no problems, the passengers have been lodged in a hotel as stipulated by the NCAA Act,” he said.
United Airlines also acknowledged the situation in a brief statement, attributing the return to a “technical issue.” The airline stated, “Flight UA613 from Lagos to Washington D.C. returned to Lagos to address a technical issue. After landing safely, the aircraft was met by first responders to address reports of minor injuries to several passengers and crew.”
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed the details, stating that 256 people were onboard the flight. In an official statement on Friday, signed by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, the authority outlined the emergency response.
The FAAN rescue team, which includes the Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Medical, and Aviation Security, was on alert just four minutes after the pilot reported distress at 01:20. The team was stationed at the gate when the plane landed, and all passengers and crew safely disembarked at 03:37.
While all individuals safely disembarked, the incident resulted in injuries. Four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries, while 27 passengers and five crew members suffered minor injuries. FAAN’s rescue team ensured that all injured individuals received immediate medical attention. The injured were transported to various medical facilities, with those suffering from minor injuries receiving first aid and being discharged, while more seriously injured individuals were stabilised and taken to Duchess Hospital in Ikeja.
Passengers without injuries were accommodated in nearby hotels, and it was confirmed that the aircraft did not sustain significant damage. FAAN reassured the public of its commitment to safety and its swift response, promising to provide further updates as necessary.
As of January 2025, the United Airlines fleet consists of 998 mainline aircraft, making it the largest commercial airline in the world.
United Airlines operates a mix of Airbus and Boeing narrow-body and all Boeing wide-body aircraft. Additionally, United operates more widebody aircraft than any other U.S. passenger carrier.
