At least 248 passengers narrowly escaped tragedy on Friday night after a Qatar Airways flight developed a technical fault mid-air, forcing an emergency landing at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed that the aircraft, carrying 248 passengers and 12 crew members, issued distress signals while in Nigerian airspace, prompting an immediate activation of emergency protocols.
A preliminary report by LASEMA revealed that the agency responded swiftly after receiving alerts through its 767/112 toll-free emergency lines. Emergency landings like this are initiated when unplanned technical issues occur mid-flight, with pilots guided by air traffic control to bring the plane down safely.
“Following distress alerts received at the Command and Control Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, LASEMA promptly activated the State’s Emergency Response Plans,” the report stated.
Eyewitnesses at the airport described tense scenes as emergency responders lined the runway while passengers on board braced for the unexpected landing. Upon arrival, LASEMA’s Lagos Response Team confirmed that the aircraft had safely touched down despite the fault.
The agency praised the pilot for his professionalism in handling the situation. “The pilot executed a safe landing on the runway at Murtala Muhammed International Airport with LASEMA response teams and other emergency responders on standby,” the report said.
Following the landing, the aircraft was inspected by the pilot and engineering crew before being moved to the apron for further checks and necessary repairs. All passengers were evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported.
LASEMA added that the plane sustained no significant damage and that recovery operations had been completed. “The aircraft has been secured on the apron, recovery activities have been completed, and the rescue operation has been safely concluded,” the agency said.
Emergency responders involved included LASEMA’s Command and Control Centre, LASAMBUS, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the incident, with spokesperson Michael Achimugu saying, “I can confirm that there was an air return. Details will be communicated later.”
Qatar Airways had not responded to inquiries sent to its country manager, Ken Chirchir, as of the time of reporting.