Passengers injured as ‘technical issues’ force US-bound flight to return to Lagos
United Airlines Flight UA613 made an emergency landing at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) on Thursday. The Boeing 787-8, originally destined for Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), was forced to return to Nigeria due to what the airline described as a “technical issue.”
The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed the incident through an unnamed official, the source revealed, “There was truly an emergency landing by United Airlines yesterday. Some passengers sustained minor injuries, but there were no casualties.” Specific details about the nature of the emergency remain unclear.
The ordeal unfolded with 245 passengers, eight attendants, and three pilots onboard. According to reports, the aircraft experienced difficulties over Ivory Coast airspace, causing panic among passengers.
One traveler recounted the terrifying experience to Vanguard, stating, “We had already been served our meals when the plane lost pressure and dropped. We noticed a sharp descent. I hit my head on the ceiling because of the impact and became unconscious. A member of the medical team came to attend to me amid the turmoil.”
The passenger added that the sharp descent occurred three times, leading to injuries among several passengers. “We spent four hours in the air. Amid the turmoil, the pilot said we were going to land in Ghana, but we eventually landed in Nigeria,” they said.
United Airlines later released a statement clarifying the decision to return to Lagos, citing the need to address the technical issue.
This marks a significant incident for the airline, which resumed its Washington-to-Lagos service on December 1, 2021, following a five-year hiatus due to foreign exchange (FX) challenges. The route has been a cornerstone of the airline’s return to the Nigerian market.
