Several People Injured as US-Bound United Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Return to Lagos

A United Airlines flight, UA613, travelling from Lagos to Washington D.C. in the United States, made an emergency landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on January 24, 2025. The emergency, caused by mid-flight technical issues, injured several passengers and crew members.

The Boeing 787-8 carried 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots. The incident occurred over Ivory Coast airspace. Passengers described moments of panic as the aircraft experienced sharp and sudden descents three times. One passenger recounted hitting their head on the ceiling and losing consciousness. The onboard medical team attended to them during the flight.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed that the aircraft departed Lagos at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday and returned to land safely at 3:22 a.m. on Friday. FAAN spokesperson Obiageli Orah reported that four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries. Another 27 passengers and five crew members suffered minor injuries, mostly due to the impact of the sharp descents.

Emergency responders, including the Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, were reportedly on standby as the aircraft landed. Medical teams immediately provided first aid to passengers with minor injuries, while those with more serious injuries were stabilised before being transferred to Duchess Hospital in Ikeja. Some others received care at the MMA Clinic located within the airport premises.

FAAN added that the aircraft sustained no significant damage during the incident. Some passengers were provided hotel accommodations after being safely evacuated from the plane.

United Airlines confirmed the incident in a statement. The airline explained that the aircraft returned to Lagos as a safety measure to address a technical problem. The same plane en route from Lagos to Washington’s Dulles International Airport was previously diverted on Tuesday, according to FlightRadar data.

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