January 24, (THEWILL) – Passengers of the United Airlines flight, UA613, travelling from Lagos to Washington, have continued to narrate the ugly experience following the emergency situation, which forced the flight to return to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on January 24, 2025.
Some passengers, who spoke to THEWILL expressed dismay over the incident and events that followed afterwards.
“When we landed, we had to wait for medical personnel, who took forever to come to the plane. We have no value for human life in this country and, therefore, are never prepared for emergencies”, one of the Nigerian passengers was quoted as saying.
“We had already been served our meals when the plane lost pressure and dropped. We noticed a sharp descent. I hit my head on the ceiling because of the impact”, another passenger recounted.
Besides the technical hitches associated with the flight, they complained about the late arrival of medical personnel, who came to attend to the passengers when they finally arrived safely at MMIA in Lagos.
But in a swift reaction, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), insisted that the rescue team responded on time and effectively.
FAAN confirmed that the United Airlines aeroplane, Boeing 787-800, departed Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at 23:55 on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
According to the Authority, hours later, the aircraft made an air return and landed safely at 03:22 this morning.
Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN, Mrs Obiageli Orah, who gave the hint in an official statement issued on Friday, stated that onboard were 245 adults and 11 crew members.
Mrs Orah said the team of Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS), Aviation Medical and Aviation Security (AVSEC) were already at the gate when the aeroplane parked for deboarding at D31 without incident, and the door was opened at 03:37.
“While all passengers and crew disembarked safely, four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries and an additional 27 passengers and five crew members had minor injuries. The rescue team responded swiftly and effectively, having been on alert and standby just four minutes after the pilot reported distress at 01:20 am.
“Aviation Medical ambulances transported the injured passengers—some to the MMA Clinic and others to the Headquarters Clinic. Those with minor injuries received first aid and were discharged immediately, while those with serious injuries were stabilised and transferred to the Duchess Hospital in Ikeja. Some passengers were also taken to a hotel for accommodation. The aircraft itself did not sustain any major damage”, Orah emphasised.
Meanwhile, United Airlines has attributed the incident to technical issues.
The airline also confirmed that some passengers onboard sustained injuries due to the incident.
According to a statement issued by the airline on Friday, the aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8 carrying 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots.
The statement read: “Flight UA613 from Lagos to Washington, D.C., returned to Lagos to address a technical issue. After landing safely, the aircraft was met by first responders to assist passengers and crew members, who reported minor injuries.”
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
