ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-No fewer than 248 passengers were on Friday night spared from a potential tragedy after a Qatar Airways aircraft suffered a technical malfunction mid-flight and was compelled to make an emergency landing at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency confirmed that the aircraft, carrying 248 passengers and 12 crew members, developed the fault while flying within Nigerian airspace, prompting distress alerts and the activation of emergency protocols.
A preliminary report by LASEMA, revealed that the agency immediately triggered the state’s emergency response plan after receiving the distress signal through its 767/112 toll-free emergency lines.
Emergency landings typically occur when unforeseen faults arise during flight, with pilots transmitting distress signals to the control tower, which then guides the aircraft to land safely.
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In the report signed by the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency stated that, “Following distress alerts received at the Command and Control Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency promptly activated the State’s Emergency Response Plans.”
The Permanent Secretary assured residents of the agency’s preparedness, explaining that the prompt and well-coordinated intervention prevented what could have escalated into a major aviation disaster.
Eyewitnesses at the airport recounted moments of anxiety as emergency personnel positioned themselves along the runway while passengers prepared for the unscheduled landing.
LASEMA further disclosed that upon arrival, its Lagos Response Team observed that the aircraft had already executed a forced landing as a result of technical challenges.
According to the report, “Preliminary investigations revealed that the immediate cause of the incident was technical issues suffered by the distressed aircraft.”
Despite the incident, the agency praised the pilot’s professionalism, noting that he safely landed the aircraft as emergency responders remained on “extreme high alert.”
“The pilot executed a safe landing on the runway at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport with LASEMA response teams and other emergency responders on standby,” the agency said.
Following the landing, the aircraft underwent checks by the pilot and engineering crew before it was taxied to the apron for comprehensive inspection and repairs. All passengers were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.
“All passengers of the distressed aircraft were evacuated safely, and no casualties were reported,” LASEMA confirmed, adding that the aircraft did not sustain any major damage.
In an update, the agency stated that the aircraft had been secured and that recovery operations were completed.
“The aircraft has been secured on the apron, recovery activities have been completed, and the rescue operation has been safely concluded,” the statement noted.
LASEMA added that responders at the scene included its Command and Control Centre, LASAMBUS, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Michael Achimugu, also confirmed the incident.
In a WhatsApp message, he said, “I can confirm that there was an air return. Details will be communicated later.”
As of the time of filing this report, Qatar Airways had yet to respond to an enquiry sent to its country manager, Ken Chirchir.