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Incident on Arik Arik’s W3 740: Passengers Safe after Emergency landing in Benin
By prince Benson Davies
Arik Air’s Boeing 737-700 aircraft, with registration number 5N-MJF, was diverted to Benin Airport on February 11, 2026, after experiencing engine issues during a flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt. The incident occurred when the crew heard a loud bang on the left engine while descending into Port Harcourt International Airport, prompting them to make a safe diversion to Benin as a precautionary measure.
The aircraft, operating flight W3 740, had 80 passengers on board, all of whom safely disembarked without injuries. Arik Air’s Corporate Communications Manager, Adebanji Ola, confirmed the incident and stated that arrangements had been made to transport the affected passengers to their final destination. The airline apologized for the disruption, citing passenger safety and well-being as their top priority.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into the incident. Preliminary observations indicate significant damage to the affected engine based on an initial visual assessment. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, and a final report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation.
