On Thursday, January 23, 2025, a United Airlines Boeing 787-8, operating as Flight UA613 from Lagos to Washington D.C., encountered a technical problem shortly after takeoff, prompting an emergency return to Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The aircraft, registered as N27903 and over 13 years old, was carrying 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots.
During the incident, the crew declared an emergency, maintaining the transponder code 7700 to communicate distress with air traffic control until the plane safely landed. Upon landing, first responders attended to several passengers and crew members who sustained minor injuries. Images and videos from the scene depicted disarray within the cabin, with food and personal belongings strewn about due to the turbulence experienced during the flight.
The exact cause of the technical issue remains under investigation, with some passengers speculating about a potential engine-related problem. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau is expected to conduct a thorough inquiry to determine the root cause. In the meantime, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that affected passengers have been accommodated in hotels, adhering to regulatory requirements.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) provided additional details, noting that the emergency response teams were alerted within minutes of the pilot reporting distress at 1:20 AM. The aircraft landed without further incident at 3:37 AM. FAAN reported that, of the 256 individuals on board, four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries, while 27 passengers and five crew members suffered minor injuries. The injured received prompt medical attention, with some transported to local clinics and hospitals for further care.
United Airlines acknowledged the incident in a statement, attributing the return to a “technical issue” and confirming that the aircraft was met by first responders upon landing to address reports of minor injuries. FAAN assured the public of its commitment to safety and responsiveness, stating that further updates will be provided as necessary.
