A United Airlines Boeing 787-8 flight from Lagos to Washington Dulles declared an emergency on Thursday, prompting the captain to make an urgent return to Lagos.
We learned that after establishing a return course, the crew maintained the emergency transponder code 7700, signaling distress to the control tower until landing safely.
The aircraft, registered as N27903, is a 13-year-old widebody jet operated by the US-based airline. It was carrying 245 passengers, 80 flight attendants, and three pilots.
Reports indicate that some passengers sustained injuries during the incident.
Images and videos shared by passengers with our correspondent showed food and luggage strewn across the cabin, a result of the flight’s turbulence.
While the exact cause of the emergency remains unclear, passengers suspect an engine-related issue.
However, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau will determine the actual cause following an investigation.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Micheal Achimugu, confirmed the incident and stated that the airline has accommodated passengers in a hotel as per regulatory requirements.
“Yes, it is true, and no problems, the passengers have been lodged into a hotel as stipulated by the NCAA Act,” he said.
The airline also confirmed the development in a terse statement, attributing it to “a technical issue.”
“Flight UA613 from Lagos to Washington D.C. returned to Lagos to address a technical issue.
“After landing safely, the aircraft was met by first responders to address reports of minor injuries to several passengers and crew,” the statement read.
