A Qatar Airways aircraft carrying 248 passengers and 12 crew members made a successful emergency landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Friday night after experiencing a technical fault mid-flight, Lagos State authorities have confirmed.
Immediate emergency response
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said the aircraft encountered the problem while airborne within Nigerian airspace, triggering distress alerts that prompted the activation of the state’s Emergency Response Plan.
“Following distress alerts received at the Command and Control Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, LASEMA promptly activated the State’s Emergency Response Plans,” said a preliminary report signed by the agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.
Eyewitnesses described tense moments at the airport as emergency responders lined the runway, ready to assist the aircraft if necessary.
Pilot praised for professionalism
According to LASEMA, preliminary investigations indicate that the incident was caused by a technical issue. The pilot successfully brought the aircraft down safely while emergency teams remained on standby.
“The pilot executed a safe landing on the runway with LASEMA response teams and other emergency responders on extreme high alert,” the report said.
After landing, the aircraft was inspected by the pilot and engineering crew before being moved to the apron for further checks and necessary repairs. LASEMA confirmed that all passengers were evacuated safely and no injuries were reported, and there was no significant damage to the aircraft.
Coordinated rescue operation
LASEMA’s operation involved its Command and Control Centre, LASAMBUS, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria. The agency confirmed that recovery operations have concluded and the aircraft has been secured on the apron.
“The aircraft has been secured, recovery activities completed, and the rescue operation safely concluded,” LASEMA said.
Aviation authorities notified
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) also confirmed the emergency landing. Spokesperson Michael Achimugu said via WhatsApp:
“I can confirm that there was an air return. Details will be communicated later.”
As of the time of reporting, Qatar Airways had not provided a public statement regarding the incident.
Passengers and aviation observers have praised the swift, coordinated response by Lagos authorities and the professional handling by the flight crew, which averted what could have been a major aviation disaster.
Source: Africa Publicity
