Bang in engine mid-air forces Arik’s emergency diversion to Benin  

• NSIB to recover black boxes to determine event sequence
• To issue preliminary report within 30 days

An Arik Air Boeing 737-700 flight 740 from Lagos to Port Harcourt was forced to make an emergency diversion to Benin Airport following a serious engine incident mid-flight.

Fortunately, the aircraft landed safely, and no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew.

While descending toward Port Harcourt, the crew reported a loud bang from the left engine.

All 80 passengers and crew members disembarked safely in Benin.

Arik Air spokesperson, Adebanji Ola, confirmed that the diversion was a “precautionary measure” to ensure the safety of everyone on board. The airline has apologised for the disruption and is making arrangements to transport the affected passengers to Port Harcourt”.

The aircraft has been grounded in Benin for a technical inspection to determine the cause of the engine failure.

This incident comes at a time when Arik Air has been operating with a significantly reduced fleet—reportedly down to three active aircraft as of early February 2026—amid ongoing legal and financial challenges under its current receivership.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed that an Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL aircraft, registration 5N-MJF, operating a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos (LOS) to Port Harcourt (PHC) earlier today, experienced an in-flight engine anomaly and diverted safely to Benin Airport.

According to the accident investigator, during the cruise phase of the flight, the crew detected abnormal indications on one of the engines. In accordance with established safety procedures, the flight crew conducted a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to the nearest suitable airport, Benin.

It noted that the aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally, adding that no injuries have been reported.

According to NSIB’s Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, stated that preliminary observations at the diversion airport indicate significant damage to the affected engine based on initial visual assessment.

She said, “In line with its statutory mandate and in accordance with international standards under ICAO Annex 13 and applicable Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the NSIB has commenced an investigation into the occurrence.”

“A preliminary assessment team is en route to Benin to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview relevant personnel and witnesses, and recover flight data and cockpit voice recorder information.”

In line with its statutory mandate and in accordance with international standards under ICAO Annexe 13 and applicable Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the NSIB, she said, has commenced an investigation into the occurrence.

She disclosed that a preliminary assessment team is en route to Benin to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview relevant personnel and witnesses, and recover flight data and cockpit voice recorder information.

The NSIB, she reiterated, is working closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other relevant stakeholders to determine the sequence of events and any contributing factors.

“A Preliminary Report will be issued within 30 days in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 provisions. A Final Report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation. The safety of passengers, crew, and the public remains our highest priority. The NSIB encourages any member of the public with relevant information regarding this occurrence to contact the Bureau through its official channels.”

Wole Shadare