Nation
Arik Air flight to Port Harcourt develops engine fault, diverted to Benin
![[VIDEO] Engine fault forces Arik Air flight to divert to Benin, passengers safe](https://hallmarknews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Compress_20260211_135559_9140.jpg)
Arik Air has said its Flight W3 740 en route from Lagos to Port Harcourt was diverted to Benin Airport after the crew noticed an unusual sound from the aircraft’s left engine.
The airline disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lagos by its Public Relations and Communications Manager, Mr Adebanji Ola.
According to the statement, the Boeing 737-700 aircraft, registered as 5N-MJF, was already descending into Port Harcourt when the operating crew heard a loud noise from the left engine and promptly activated standard safety procedures, opting to divert the flight.
All 80 passengers on board safely disembarked at Benin Airport, with no injuries reported.
Arik Air said it had made arrangements to transport the affected passengers to their final destinations.
“The airline sincerely apologises to passengers for the disruption to their journey. The safety and well-being of our passengers remain our top priority,” the statement added.
The airline noted that further information on the cause of the engine issue would be communicated after necessary checks are completed.
