The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has confirmed the emergency landing of United Airlines aircraft at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
FAAN said the 256 passengers and crew members were successfully deboarded from the aircraft on Friday.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Director Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of FAAN, Mrs Obiageli Orah.
Orah said the United Airlines aeroplane Boeing 787-800 departed from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos, on Thursday but the aircraft made an air return and landed safely at 03:22 on Friday.
JomogNews had reported that several passengers onboard the United Airlines flight UA613 sustained injury before the aircraft made an emergency return to Lagos.
The Washington bound flight developed technical issues over Ivory Coast airspace.
The flight was said to have lost pressure and had a sharp descent.
However, Orah said Aviation Medical ambulances transported the injured passengers to the MMA Clinic and others to the Headquarters Clinic after they deboarded.
The statement read: “On board were 245 adults and 11 crew members. The team of Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS), Aviation Medical and, Aviation Security (AVSEC) were already at the gate when the aeroplane parked for deboarding at D31 without incident, and the door was opened at 03:37.
“While all passengers and crew disembarked safely, four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries, and an additional 27 passengers and five crew members had minor injuries.
“The rescue team responded swiftly and effectively, having been on alert and standby just four minutes after the pilot reported distress at 01:20.
“Those with minor injuries received first aid and were discharged immediately, while those with serious injuries were stabilised and transferred to the Duchess Hospital in Ikeja.
“Some passengers were also taken to a hotel for accommodation. The aircraft itself did not sustain any major damage.”
