The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has dismissed reports that the Qatar Airways flight to Doha in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) made an emergency landing in Lagos.
In a statement, the nation’s aviation regulator disclosed that the return of the aircraft to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja on Friday was merely precautionary, not an emergency as it is being reported.
Over the weekend, the aircraft carrying 248 passengers and 12 crew members from Lagos to Doha returned to base after a technical alert was detected.
The Qatar Airways flight QR1406 landed normally and safely, disembarking without incident, Business Post gathered.
The regulator said precautionary air returns are a routine part of global aviation safety protocols designed to prioritise passenger safety and allow technical issues to be addressed on the ground.
“An air return due to a technical alert that landed normally and safely without incident is standard aviation practice. There was no incursion, no excursion and no crash landing,” the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Mr Michael Achimugu, stated.
Also, Qatar Airways in a statement on Saturday said the cockpit crew followed established operational procedures and acted in the interest of safety.
“The cockpit crew followed all established safety procedures, and the aircraft landed safely in Lagos. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority,” it noted, adding that passengers were assisted on arrival and rebooked on the next suitable flights to reach their destinations, apologising for any inconvenience caused.
Aviation and emergency authorities said the coordinated response to the aircraft’s return demonstrated the effectiveness of Nigeria’s aviation safety oversight and emergency preparedness.
The NCAA said the incident underscores the professionalism of international carriers operating in Nigeria and reflects safety systems working as designed.