NSIB Launches Probe After Arik Air Flight Diverts Over Engine Issue

An Arik Air Boeing 737-700 flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt was diverted to Benin Airport on Wednesday after the crew heard a loud bang from the left engine while descending toward Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA).

The aircraft, operating as Flight W3 740 with registration 5N-MJF, was carrying 80 passengers and crew when the unusual noise was detected. In line with aviation safety protocols, the pilots elected to divert to the nearest suitable airport for a precautionary landing.

Arik Air’s Corporate Communications Manager, Adebanji Ola, confirmed in a statement that the diversion was a precautionary measure and that the aircraft landed safely in Benin. He added that all passengers and crew disembarked without injuries and that arrangements have been made to transport travellers to their final destination.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said the crew detected abnormal engine indications during the cruise phase of the flight and immediately followed established safety procedures, including a precautionary engine shutdown and diversion.

Preliminary visual assessment at Benin Airport suggests significant damage to the affected engine, and NSIB has launched a formal investigation in cooperation with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other stakeholders to determine the cause of the incident.

A preliminary report on the occurrence is expected within 30 days, with a final report published at the conclusion of the inquiry.