Qatar Airways on Saturday, confirmed that flight QR 1406, operating from Lagos to Doha, made an unplanned return to Lagos due to a technical issue that occurred in flight.
The aircraft was carrying 248 passengers and 12 crew members when it made a safe emergency landing at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos on Friday night.
A statement by the airline said the cockpit crew followed established procedures and landed the aircraft safely.
“All passengers have disembarked safely and are being taken care of on the ground and will be booked on the next suitable flights to reach their destination as soon as possible.
” The safety of our passengers and crew is always our highest priority and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”, the airline said.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, said it activated the State’s Emergency Response Plans from its Command and Control Centre, Alausa, Ikeja following à distress alerts received on it’s 767/112 Toll Free Emergency Lines
“Upon arrival of LRT at the incident scene, it was discovered that a passenger aircraft was distressed and had conducted a forced landing at the aforementioned location.
“Preliminary investigations conducted by the Agency’s Response Teams revealed the immediate cause of the incident was due to technical issues suffered by the distressed aircraft.
“The passenger aircraft (Operator’s name withheld), laden to capacity with 248 passengers and 12 crew members, suffered technical fault while airborne in Nigerian air space, leading to the emergency landing in Lagos.
” The pilot executed a safe landing on the runway at Muritala Mohammed International Airport with LASEMA Response Team and other emergency responders standing-by on extreme high alert on the runway.”, a statement by signed Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary, LASEMA , said.
It explained that after proper check by the pilot and the engineering crew, the aircraft was moved to the apron for detailed inspection and prompt repairs.
It added that all passengers of the distressed aeroplane was evacuated safely; no injuries reported.
“No loss of lives nor injuries sustained by anyone due to the operation. In spite of the technical issues and forced landing, the incident did not result in any significant damage to the aircraft. The aircraft has been secured on the apron. Recovery activities has been completed. LRT has safely concluded the rescue operation.”, it added.
