Flight W3 740, an Arik Air service from Lagos to Port Harcourt, was forced to divert to Benin Airport on Wednesday morning due to an engine problem.
As the Boeing 737-700 (registration 5N-MJF) began its descent toward Port Harcourt International Airport, the flight crew detected an unusual noise from the port-side engine and decided to divert to Benin airport as a safety measure.
With 80 passengers aboard, the plane landed without any incident in Benin, where everyone was able to exit safely.
According to the airline’s Corporate Communications Manager, Adebanji Ola in a statement on Wednesday, the decision to reroute was made purely out of an abundance of caution to ensure passenger security.
Ola said: “Arik Air’s Boeing 737-700 (5N MJF) aircraft operating flight W3 740 from Lagos to Port Harcourt today, February 11, 2026, diverted to Benin Airport after the operating crew heard a loud bang on the left engine.
“The aircraft was on its descent to Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa when the incident happened and as a precautionary measure, the crew had to make a safe diversion to Benin.”
He further noted: “There were no injuries to passengers and crew as all 80 passengers on board were safely disembarked. Arrangements have been made to transport the affected passengers to their final destination.”
The airline extended regrets for the inconvenience, with Ola adding: “We sincerely apologise to the affected Port Harcourt passengers whose journey has been disrupted.
“The safety and well-being of passengers is always our priority at Arik Air.”
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