An Arik Air Boeing 737-700 operating a Lagos–Port Harcourt route was forced to make an emergency diversion to Benin Airport on Wednesday after the crew reported a loud bang from one of the aircraft’s engines.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau later confirmed that the incident involved “significant damage” to the affected engine.
According to Arik Air’s spokesperson, Adebanjo Ola, the aircraft, registered as 5N-MJF and operating flight W3 740 from Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, to Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, was descending into Port Harcourt when the crew detected the noise from the left engine.
“As a precautionary measure, the crew safely diverted the flight to Benin,” Ola stated.
All passengers and crew were reported safe, and investigations into the cause of the engine damage are ongoing
