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FAAN Rescues 256 Passengers After United Airlines Emergency Landing To Lagos
The aircraft had departed MMIA at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, but complications necessitated the return flight.
Ikeja, Lagos State- The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has confirmed the successful deboarding of 256 passengers from a U.S.-bound United Airlines flight that made an emergency air return to Lagos early Friday morning.
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN, Obiageli Orah, revealed that all passengers and crew safely disembarked after the United Airlines Boeing 787-800 landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, at 3:22 a.m.
The aircraft had departed MMIA at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, but complications necessitated the return flight.
Among the 256 individuals onboard—comprising 245 adult passengers and 11 crew members—six sustained serious injuries, while 32 others reported minor injuries.
“FAAN’s emergency response team swiftly ensured the safe evacuation of everyone on board,” Orah said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a team comprising Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Medical, and Aviation Security personnel was already on standby when the aircraft arrived at gate D31 for deboarding at 3:37 a.m.
The operation was incident-free, and the aircraft door was promptly opened.
All passengers and crew safely disembarked; however, four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries, while 27 passengers and five crew members had minor injuries. The rescue team responded swiftly and efficiently to the situation.
Injured passengers were transported by aviation medical ambulances to medical facilities, with some taken to the MMA Clinic and others to the Headquarters Clinic.
According to Orah, those with minor injuries were treated with first aid and discharged, while individuals with more serious injuries were stabilized and transferred to Duchess Hospital in Ikeja.
Some passengers were accommodated in a hotel, and it was confirmed that the aircraft did not sustain significant damage. Orah assured that updates on the incident would continue to be provided.
