Panic as US-bound United flight with over 245 passengers makes emergency return to Lagos

There was a palpable tension as a United Airlines flight bound for the United States was forced to make an emergency return to Lagos

The United Airlines flight UA613, a Boeing 787-8 which had 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots, was en route over Ivory Coast airspace when it turned back to Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA).

A statement issued by the airline confirmed the development on Friday.

The statement read: “Flight UA613 from Lagos to Washington, D.C., returned to Lagos to address a technical issue. After landing safely, the aircraft was met by first responders to assist passengers and crew members who reported minor injuries.”

Meanwhile, conflicting reports from some passengers onboard allege that the plane, which they claim nearly crashed, was diverted to Ghana.

A passenger stated, “This week, the same thing happened. Passengers were returned to Lagos after flying for two hours on Thursday, with over twenty people sustaining injuries.”

The passenger, who alleged that United Airlines was involved in three separate incidents within four days, called on aviation authorities to intervene and ensure affected passengers are rebooked on other airlines.

“Must the aviation minister and authorities wait for Nigerians to die before taking action?” the passenger questioned.