United Airlines Flight Emergency Lands in Lagos

A United Airlines flight bound for Washington Dulles International Airport from Lagos, Nigeria, declared an emergency mid-flight and returned to Lagos on January 23, 2025. The Boeing 787-8, flight UA613, was carrying 245 passengers, 8 flight attendants, and 3 pilots when it encountered a “technical issue” over Ivory Coast airspace.

The incident resulted in several passengers and crew members sustaining minor injuries due to turbulence, with some passengers reporting that the cabin lost pressure causing sharp descents. One passenger described hitting their head on the ceiling, and there were reports of food trays and luggage scattering inside the cabin.

After the emergency was declared, the flight returned to Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos where it landed safely at around 03:22 AM on January 24, 2025. First responders were on hand to assist with the reported injuries, and passengers were accommodated in hotels as per regulations.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has confirmed they are investigating the incident, examining the Flight Data Recorder to ascertain the exact cause. United Airlines stated that the flight returned to address a technical issue, but did not specify further. The incident has sparked discussions on passenger safety and aviation protocols, emphasizing the importance of thorough technical checks before flights