An Arik Air Boeing 737-700 aircraft, registration number 5N-MJF, was diverted to Benin Airport on Tuesday after a loud bang was heard from its left engine during descent.
The aircraft, operating flight W3 740 from Lagos to Port Harcourt, was approaching Port Harcourt International Airport when the incident occurred.
According to the airline’s Corporate Communications Manager, Adebanji Ola, the crew decided to divert the flight as a precautionary safety measure. The plane was redirected to Benin Airport, where it landed safely.
In a statement, Arik Air said:
“Arik Air’s Boeing 737-700 (5N MJF) aircraft operating flight W3 740 from Lagos to Port Harcourt today, February 11, 2026, diverted to Benin Airport after the operating crew heard a loud bang on the left engine.
The aircraft was on its descent to Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa when the incident happened and 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. Arrangements have been made to transport the affected passengers to their final destination.
We sincerely apologise to the affected Port Harcourt passengers whose journey has been disrupted. The safety and well-being of passengers is always our priority at Arik Air.”
All 80 passengers and crew members were safely evacuated without injury. The airline confirmed that alternative arrangements were made to ensure affected passengers reached Port Harcourt.
Aviation experts note that diversion decisions following abnormal engine sounds are standard safety protocol, allowing crews to conduct inspections under controlled conditions rather than proceeding to the original destination.
