Lagos-Port Harcourt Arik Air flight diverted to Benin after engine bang; all 80 passengers landed safely without injuries.
An Arik Air flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt was forced to divert to Benin on Wednesday after the crew reported hearing a loud bang from one of the aircraft’s engines during descent.
The airline said its Boeing 737-700 aircraft, with registration 5N-MJF, operating flight W3 740 on February 11, 2026, made a precautionary diversion to Benin Airport following the incident.
In a statement, Arik Air explained that the aircraft was descending into Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, when the operating crew heard “a loud bang on the left engine.”
The airline said the crew acted in line with safety procedures.
“As a precautionary measure, the crew had to make a safe diversion to Benin,” the statement said.
Arik Air confirmed that there were no injuries to either passengers or crew members, noting that all 80 passengers on board were safely disembarked after the aircraft landed in Benin.
“There were no injuries to passengers and crew as all 80 passengers on board were safely disembarked. Arrangements have been made to transport the affected passengers to their final destination,” the airline stated.
The carrier apologised for the disruption caused to passengers travelling to Port Harcourt.
“We sincerely apologise to the affected Port Harcourt passengers whose journey has been disrupted. The safety and wellbeing of passengers is always our priority at Arik Air,” the statement added.
