Benin City, Edo State – February 11, 2026 — An Arik Air Boeing 737-700 aircraft made a dramatic emergency landing at Benin Airport on Wednesday after suffering an in-flight engine failure during a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt.
The incident occurred mid-flight when the aircraft, registered 5N-BQO and operating as flight W3-745, experienced a sudden loss of power in one of its engines. The pilot immediately declared an emergency and diverted the plane to the nearest suitable airport, Benin City, where it landed safely shortly after 1:00 p.m. local time.
Eyewitness accounts and video footage circulating on social media captured the tense atmosphere inside the cabin as the aircraft descended. Passengers were heard praying fervently, with several audible recitations of Islamic and Christian prayers echoing through the cabin. Many travellers could be seen clutching their seats, clutching personal belongings, and offering supplications for a safe landing.
One passenger, who recorded part of the incident, described the moment as “heart-stopping,” noting that the crew remained calm and professional while providing regular updates. “The captain came on the intercom and said we had an engine issue but everything was under control and we were diverting to Benin,” the passenger recounted. “But you could hear people praying loudly—‘Allahu Akbar,’ ‘Jesus, have mercy,’ ‘God please save us.’ It was intense.”
The aircraft touched down without incident, and emergency services—including fire trucks and ambulances—were immediately on standby at Benin Airport. All 148 passengers and six crew members disembarked safely, with no injuries reported. Arik Air later confirmed that the aircraft had experienced a technical malfunction in one engine but that the pilots had managed the situation in accordance with standard operating procedures.
In an official statement released Wednesday evening, Arik Air said: “Flight W3-745 from Lagos to Port Harcourt experienced an engine-related issue en route. The crew declared an emergency and diverted safely to Benin Airport. All passengers and crew disembarked normally. We are investigating the cause in line with regulatory requirements and our safety protocols. The safety and well-being of our passengers remain our top priority.”
The airline also apologised to affected passengers for the disruption and inconvenience. Stranded travellers were provided with refreshments, accommodation, and rebooking options on subsequent flights or alternative transport to Port Harcourt.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has launched a preliminary investigation into the incident and has grounded the affected aircraft pending a full technical examination and maintenance review. Aviation safety experts noted that twin-engine aircraft such as the Boeing 737 are designed to operate safely on one engine, a capability that was demonstrated during the diversion.
This is not the first time an Arik Air aircraft has experienced an engine issue in recent years, though previous incidents have also ended without injury or loss of life. The airline has faced scrutiny over its maintenance record and operational reliability, particularly amid broader challenges in Nigeria’s aviation sector, including high operating costs, foreign exchange constraints, and ageing fleets.
Passengers who witnessed the event expressed relief and gratitude to the flight crew for their composure. “The pilots did an excellent job. We were scared, but they kept us informed and calm,” one traveller told local journalists at the airport. “We thank God for a safe landing.”
The incident has once again highlighted the critical importance of rigorous maintenance, crew training, and emergency preparedness in Nigeria’s domestic aviation industry. While no serious harm occurred, the event has prompted renewed calls for stricter regulatory oversight and investment in fleet modernisation.
Arik Air has assured the public that it will cooperate fully with the NCAA investigation and take all necessary steps to prevent recurrence. Normal operations on the Lagos–Port Harcourt route resumed later in the day using other aircraft in the airline’s fleet.
As investigations continue, the safe outcome of Wednesday’s emergency diversion has been widely regarded as a testament to the professionalism of the flight crew and the robustness of modern aircraft design in handling single-engine operations.
