By Obinna Uballa
A video circulating online captures the moment Arik Air Flight W3 740 from Lagos to Port Harcourt was diverted to Benin Airport after the crew detected an unusual sound from the aircraft’s left engine.
The New Diplomat had reported that Arik Air confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday, issued in Lagos by its Public Relations and Communications Manager, Mr. Adebanji Ola.
The airline said the Boeing 737-700 aircraft, registered 5N-MJF, was already descending into Port Harcourt when the operating crew heard a loud noise from the left engine. Following safety protocols, the crew promptly decided to divert the flight to Benin Airport as a precautionary measure.
All 80 passengers on board disembarked safely, and no injuries were reported. Arik Air said arrangements had been made to transport passengers to their intended destinations.
“The airline extends its sincere apologies to passengers whose journey was disrupted. The safety and well-being of our passengers remain our top priority,” the statement read.
Arik Air noted that further information regarding the cause of the engine anomaly would be released after a full inspection.
