A passenger plane developed a technical fault mid-air and made a safe emergency landing at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on Friday, January 16, 2026, aviation and emergency responders say. All 248 passengers and 12 crew members escaped injury, officials confirmed.
The aircraft, operated by Qatar Airways, was flying over Nigerian airspace when it sent out a distress alert to air traffic controllers, prompting an immediate response from authorities, according to statements by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the agency’s emergency response plan was quickly activated after distress calls came in on its toll-free emergency lines. Emergency crews stood by along the runway as the pilot brought the plane down safely, ensuring a controlled landing without injuries.
Officials at the scene described a calm but urgent atmosphere as the aircraft touched down. After landing, the aircraft was checked by the flight and engineering crew and then moved to the apron for detailed inspection and necessary repairs.
The coordinated response included personnel from the Lagos Response Team, LASAMBUS, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), all positioned to assist if needed. Emergency services stood on high alert in case of any unexpected developments, aviation sources said.
While the exact cause of the technical fault has not yet been publicly detailed, preliminary assessments by response teams indicated that the issue occurred while the flight was airborne, forcing the crew to divert and land at the nearest major airport.
Passengers and crew were evacuated safely, with no injuries or fatalities reported. Witnesses at the airport said the scene was tense but orderly, and passengers were visibly relieved after the situation was brought under control.
The aircraft has been secured and remains under inspection as recovery and safety checks continue. Aviation authorities, including the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), are expected to follow up with detailed technical analysis once the plane is fully examined.
The incident highlights the effectiveness of current aviation safety and emergency response procedures at Nigeria’s busiest international airport, with pilots, ground crews and emergency teams working together to avert what could have been a major disaster.
Passengers were reported safe and accounted for after the landing, and all operations at the airport resumed as normal following the incident.
