Qatar Airways flight with 260 onboard makes emergency landing in Lagos

A Qatar Airways flight carrying 248 passengers and 12 crew members was forced to make an emergency landing at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos on Friday after a technical malfunction during its flight.

According to Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the aircraft encountered a fault while flying within Nigerian airspace. The issue prompted the flight crew to take immediate action and safely land the plane at Lagos Airport

LASEMA explained that it received a distress call via its 767/112 toll-free emergency lines. Upon arrival at the scene, the LASEMA Response Team, LRT, confirmed that the aircraft was in distress.

“The pilot executed a safe landing on the runway at Murtala Mohammed International Airport with LASEMA Response Team and other emergency responders standing by on extreme high alert on the runway.

“Collaborative efforts of the multi-agency responders were coordinated. After proper check by the pilot and the engineering crew, the aircraft was moved to the apron for detailed inspection and prompt repairs.”

“All passengers of the distressed airplane were evacuated safely; no injuries reported, no loss of lives,” the statement said.

Despite the technical issue and the emergency landing, the agency noted that there was no major damage to the aircraft.

“The aircraft has been secured on the apron. Recovery activities have been completed,” the statement added.