Passengers aboard an Arik Air flight experienced tense moments on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, after a loud bang from one of the aircraft’s engines forced an emergency diversion to Benin Airport — but thankfully, all 80 passengers and crew landed safely without injuries.
The Boeing 737-700 aircraft, registered as 5N-MJF and operating flight W3 740 from Lagos to Port Harcourt, reportedly developed an in-flight engine anomaly while approaching its destination. According to aviation authorities and airline officials, the crew quickly followed standard safety procedures by shutting down the affected engine and diverting to the nearest suitable airport.
Reports reveal that the pilots heard a loud bang from the left engine during descent toward Port Harcourt, prompting immediate precautionary action. Rather than continue the flight, the crew made the decision to reroute to Benin Airport — a move aviation experts say reflects proper emergency protocol.
The aircraft landed safely without further incident, and passengers disembarked normally. Arik Air also arranged onward transportation for travelers whose journeys were disrupted by the unexpected diversion.
While the situation caused panic onboard, officials confirmed that no injuries were recorded, turning what could have been a major aviation tragedy into a safe outcome thanks to the crew’s swift response.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched a formal probe into the incident to determine the exact cause of the engine problem. Preliminary inspections suggest that the affected engine sustained significant damage, although full details will only emerge after technical analysis of flight data and cockpit recordings.
Investigators have been deployed to Benin to secure evidence, interview crew members and witnesses, and examine the aircraft in line with international aviation standards under ICAO Annex 13. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days.
Following the news, Nigerians took to social media to react, with many praising the professionalism of the flight crew while others raised broader concerns about aircraft maintenance and aviation safety across the country.
Industry observers note that emergency diversions are rare but not unusual in aviation, and are often carried out as precautionary measures to protect passengers whenever abnormal engine readings occur mid-flight.
For now, Arik Air has reiterated that passenger safety remains its top priority, apologising for the disruption and assuring travelers that investigations will determine the next steps.
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