On Friday evening, a Qatar Airways aircraft was forced to execute an emergency landing at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) after the flight crew detected a fault in the plane’s oxygen supply system, SaharaReporters has learned.
The plane, registered as A7-BCL, sent out an emergency signal at exactly 6:05 pm, according to official statements from airport officials.
Upon identifying the oxygen system malfunction, the pilots immediately informed air traffic control, prompting the initiation of emergency landing protocols to ensure passenger safety.
The aircraft successfully landed at 6:31 pm without any reported injuries or further complications.
After touchdown, the plane remained on the runway until 7:35 pm, when it was directed to the Delta 35 open bay area to allow passengers to disembark safely.
Once all passengers had exited, Qatar Airways’ technical and safety teams carried out a thorough inspection of the aircraft to assess the issue.
The emergency response was efficiently coordinated, involving several agencies such as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Fire Service, Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS), FAAN Medical Services, and the FAAN Security Department.
Support was also provided by the Lagos State Fire Service and Port Health Services, ensuring that both technical and medical contingencies were addressed promptly.
Qatar Airways ground personnel collaborated closely with airport officials to manage the situation and assist passengers throughout the process. The aircraft is slated for detailed technical evaluations before it returns to service.
Although oxygen system failures are rare in commercial aviation, they pose significant safety risks that necessitate immediate action. Flight crews undergo rigorous training to handle such emergencies effectively, prioritizing passenger well-being.
This incident adds to a series of recent aviation challenges in Nigeria. Notably, on December 16, a Cessna 172 (registration 5N-ASR) operated by Skypower Express declared an emergency while flying from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport. The aircraft diverted to Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri but crashed on airport grounds around 8:00 pm, with four people onboard.
Furthermore, on December 14, a Flybird Aircraft Management Services Ltd plane crash-landed at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano State.
These occurrences highlight the critical need for stringent safety protocols and rapid emergency response capabilities within Nigeria’s aviation industry, which is currently experiencing growth in passenger numbers and ongoing fleet upgrades.
