An Arik Air flight en route from Lagos to Port Harcourt was forced to divert mid-journey on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, after the operating crew reported hearing a loud bang from one of the aircraft’s engines during descent, prompting precautionary safety measures.
The Boeing 737-700 aircraft, registered 5N-MJF and operating as flight W3 740, had been approaching Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, when the incident occurred.
According to a statement issued by the airline, the sound originated from the left engine while the aircraft was descending towards its destination.
Acting in line with established aviation safety procedures, the pilots opted to divert to the nearest suitable airport, selecting Benin Airport in Edo State.
The aircraft landed safely in Benin, where all 80 passengers on board were calmly disembarked without incident. The airline confirmed that no injuries were recorded among passengers or crew, emphasising that the diversion decision was taken strictly as a precaution to ensure maximum safety.
Arik Air stated that arrangements had been put in place to convey the affected passengers onward to Port Harcourt, minimising disruption to their travel plans. The airline also issued an apology to travellers whose journeys were interrupted, reiterating its commitment to passenger welfare.
“The safety and wellbeing of passengers is always our priority at Arik Air,” the airline said in the statement signed by its PR and Communications Manager, Adebanji Ola.
Aviation analysts note that precautionary diversions of this nature are standard practice when unusual mechanical sounds or indications occur during flight, as international safety regulations require flight crews to prioritise risk avoidance even when the issue later proves minor.
The incident comes amid continued emphasis across Nigeria’s aviation sector on strict adherence to safety protocols, with regulators and airlines alike stressing that immediate precautionary decisions by flight crews are a key component of modern aviation safety culture.
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