Arik Lagos-Abuja Flight Makes Air Return After False Alarm Triggered Indication Light Detection

Arik Air says its Boeing 737-700 aircraft, operating flight W3 720 from Lagos to Abuja, experienced an air return following the detection of an indication light, suggesting a potential fire in the aft cargo area.

The airline in a statement signed by the management and made available to Thelensng on Thursday, said checks revealed that the indication light was triggered by a false alarm.

According to the statement, the incident occurred approximately 10 minutes after takeoff, prompting the Captain of the flight to adhere to standard operating procedures by initiating an air return and requesting priority landing clearance from the Control Tower.

The airline apologised to passengers for any inconvenience experienced by passengers as a result of this incident.

Read full statement below.

This morning, our Boeing 737-700 aircraft, operating flight W3 720 from Lagos to Abuja, experienced an air return following the detection of an indication light suggesting a potential fire in the aft cargo area.

The incident occurred approximately 10 minutes after takeoff, prompting the Captain of the flight to adhere to standard operating procedures by initiating an air return and requesting priority landing clearance from the Control Tower.

Upon landing safely in Lagos, passengers were disembarked and the aircraft underwent thorough inspections to ensure its airworthiness for future flight operations.

Subsequent investigation by our maintenance team determined that the indication light was triggered by a false alarm.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience experienced by our esteemed passengers as a result of this incident.