On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, an Arik Air Boeing 737-700 flying from Lagos to Port Harcourt was forced to make an emergency diversion to Benin Airport after the crew reported a “loud bang” in one of the aircraft’s engines.
While the airline framed the incident as a precautionary measure, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) later confirmed that the engine had suffered “significant damage.”
The aircraft, registered as 5N-MJF and operating as flight W3 740, was descending toward Port Harcourt International Airport when the noise was detected.
Arik Air’s spokesperson, Adebanjo Ola, explained the crew’s response: “The aircraft was on its descent to Port Harcourt when the operating crew heard a loud bang on the left engine. As a precautionary measure, the crew made a safe diversion to Benin.”
Fortunately, all 80 passengers and crew members were evacuated safely in Benin with no reported injuries.
“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, while adding an apology: “We sincerely apologise to the affected Port Harcourt passengers whose journey has been disrupted. The safety and well-being of passengers is always our priority at Arik Air.”
Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs at the NSIB, confirmed that the crew handled an “in-flight engine anomaly” by performing a precautionary shutdown.
“In accordance with established safety procedures, the flight crew conducted a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to the nearest suitable airport, Benin,” she stated.
The NSIB has since launched a full investigation, noting that “preliminary observations at the diversion airport indicate significant damage to the affected engine based on initial visual assessment.”
An assessment team is currently in Benin to recover flight data and document evidence, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days.
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