Arik Air has announced that its Boeing 737-700 (registration 5N MJF), operating flight W3 740 from Lagos to Port Harcourt, diverted to Benin Airport after the crew heard a loud bang from the left engine.
According to the airline, the incident occurred on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
Arik Air disclosed that the aircraft was on its descent to Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa when the incident happened.
“As a precautionary measure, the crew had to make a safe diversion to Benin. There were no injuries to passengers and crew as all 80 passengers on board were safely disembarked,” the airline said.
It affirmed that arrangements have been made to transport the passengers to their final destination and apologised for the disruption to their journey.
Arik Air reiterated its commitment to the safety and well-being of its passengers.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed the incident and commenced an investigation into the aircraft diversion.
In a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the NSIB noted that the aircraft, a Boeing 737-7GL registered 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 (BNI).
“During the cruise phase of 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. The aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally. No injuries have been reported,” the Bureau stated.
Mrs. Oladeji revealed that preliminary observations at the diversion airport indicate significant damage to the affected engine based on an initial visual assessment.
“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,” she said.
Oladeji confirmed 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.
She added that the NSIB 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.
She assured that a preliminary report will be issued within 30 days in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 provisions, with a final report to be published at the conclusion of the investigation.
The Bureau emphasised that the safety of passengers, crew, and the public remains its highest priority and encouraged any member of the public with relevant information regarding the occurrence to reach out through its official channels.
