Port Harcourt–Bound Arik Air Flight Makes Emergency Landing at Benin Airport After Loud Engine Noise Mid-Air

An Arik Air flight en route from Lagos to Port Harcourt made an emergency landing at Benin Airport on Wednesday after the crew detected a loud noise from one of the aircraft’s engines during descent.

Flight W3 740, operated with a Boeing 737-700, was approaching Port Harcourt International Airport when the pilots reported the unusual sound from the left engine. The crew initiated safety procedures and opted to divert the aircraft as a precaution.

The plane landed safely in Benin. All 80 passengers and crew disembarked without injury.

In a statement, the airline’s spokesperson, Banji Ola, said the decision to divert was taken in line with standard safety protocols. He added that arrangements are being made to transport passengers to their destination.

Arik Air said technical checks are underway to determine the cause of the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety.