Port Harcourt-Bound Arik Air Flight Diverted To Benin After Engine Noise

An Arik Air flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt was on Wednesday diverted to Benin Airport after an unusual noise was detected from one of its engines.

The airline confirmed in a statement issued in Lagos by its Public Relations and Communications Manager, Adebanji Ola, that Flight W3 740 was redirected as a precautionary measure after the operating crew heard a loud sound from the aircraft’s left engine while descending toward Port Harcourt.

According to the airline, all 80 passengers onboard the Boeing 737-700 aircraft, with registration number 5N-MJF, disembarked safely and no injuries were recorded.

Arik Air said arrangements had been concluded to transport the affected passengers to their final destinations and apologised for the disruption caused to their travel plans.

“The safety and well-being of our passengers remain our top priority,” the statement added.

Further details about the exact cause of the incident had not been disclosed as of press time.