Arik Air Flight Diverts to Benin After Engine Issues

Passengers aboard an Arik Air flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt experienced an unexpected diversion on Wednesday after the crew detected an abnormal sound from one of the aircraft’s engines.

The Boeing 737-700, operating Flight W3-740 (registration 5N-MJF), was on approach to Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, when a loud bang was heard from the left engine. In response, the pilots chose to reroute the aircraft to Benin Airport as a precaution.

The plane landed safely in Benin, and all 80 passengers and crew disembarked without injury. The airline confirmed that arrangements were put in place to convey passengers to their intended destination.

Arik Air expressed regret over the disruption, assuring customers that safety remains central to its operations.