A United Airlines flight, UA613, bound for Washington, declared an emergency and returned to Lagos shortly after takeoff. Several passengers and crew members sustained minor injuries.
The Boeing 787-8, carrying 245 passengers, eight cabin crew, and three pilots, turned back while flying over Ivory Coast airspace.
According to reports, the incident occurred after seatbelt signs were turned off. A passenger, speaking anonymously, revealed that the plane lost pressure and experienced sharp descents three times.
“We had already been served meals when the plane dropped. I hit my head on the ceiling and became unconscious. The pilot initially announced we would land in Ghana, but we eventually returned to Lagos,” the passenger recounted.
After spending four hours in the air, the aircraft landed safely at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA).
United Airlines confirmed the incident, stating: “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 attend to reports of minor injuries to passengers and crew.”
