A Qatar Airways aircraft carrying 248 passengers and 12 crew members made an emergency landing at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos after developing a technical fault while in flight within Nigerian airspace.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency confirmed that distress alerts were received while the aircraft was airborne, prompting the immediate activation of the state’s emergency response plan. Emergency teams were swiftly mobilised through the command and control centre, with all relevant responders placed on high alert ahead of the aircraft’s arrival.
According to the agency, the aircraft was fully loaded when the technical issue occurred, raising concerns of a potentially serious aviation incident. Upon landing, response teams discovered that the aircraft had already carried out a forced landing due to the technical malfunction.
The pilot was praised for his professionalism and calm handling of the situation, successfully guiding the aircraft safely onto the runway while emergency personnel stood by. After touchdown, the aircraft was thoroughly inspected by the pilot and engineering crew before it was moved to the apron for further technical assessment and necessary repairs.
All passengers were safely evacuated without any injuries or casualties. Authorities also confirmed that there was no significant damage to the aircraft despite the tense circumstances surrounding the landing.
The aircraft has since been secured, with recovery operations completed and the emergency response officially concluded. Witnesses at the airport described anxious moments as emergency vehicles lined the runway and passengers prepared for an unexpected landing.
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of rapid emergency coordination and skilled flight operations in preventing aviation disasters.
