An Arik Air Boeing 737-700 operating flight W3 740 from Lagos to Port Harcourt on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, made a precautionary diversion to Benin Airport after the crew reported a loud bang from the aircraft’s left engine.
The aircraft, with registration 5N-MJF, was descending into Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, when the incident occurred. According to the airline’s spokesperson, Adebanjo Ola, the crew immediately initiated standard safety procedures and opted to divert to Benin as a precautionary measure.
“The aircraft was on its descent to Port Harcourt when the operating crew heard a loud bang on the left engine. As a precautionary measure, the crew made a safe diversion to Benin,” the airline stated.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) subsequently confirmed the occurrence and described the incident as involving significant damage to the affected engine section. Further investigations are expected to determine the cause.
All 80 passengers and crew members on board were safely disembarked after landing in Benin, with no injuries reported. Arik Air said arrangements were promptly made to transport the affected passengers to Port Harcourt.
The airline apologised for the disruption to passengers’ travel plans, reiterating its commitment to safety.
“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,” the statement added.
