January 29, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency has issued a clarification regarding reports on the United Airlines flight UA613 incident, stating that the event, which involved an air return, did not take place within Nigeria’s airspace.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Abdullahi Musa, the agency clarified that Flight UAL 613, a scheduled service from Lagos to Washington, followed all necessary departure protocols in line with international aviation standards.
NAMA explained that approximately two hours and 32 minutes after departing, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude while flying over Côte d’Ivoire’s airspace.
While acknowledging that the aircraft could have landed in Bamako or Abidjan, the pilot opted to return to Nigeria after assessing the situation.
According to NAMA, the decision was based on the pilot’s prerogative and professional judgment, considering Nigeria as the point of origin and a safer option for landing compared to Côte d’Ivoire or Bamako.
“Upon contact with the flight, Air Traffic Control (ATC) activated medical emergency services as requested by the pilot, in line with established industry procedures. All hands were on deck to ensure the safe arrival of the aircraft,” the statement read.
Lagos Area Control Centre tracked the flight 180 nautical miles from Lagos and activated a medical emergency stand-by.
The flight was safely guided to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, where emergency protocols were immediately activated upon arrival by NAMA’s Air Traffic Control and ground medical teams.
These measures ensured the safety of all passengers and crew on board.
Further clarifying the situation, NAMA stated that another United Airlines aircraft, which had flown in from Accra, was dispatched to Lagos to rescue the passengers, who had already received medical treatment from Nigerian medical personnel.
“Contrary to some reports, the aircraft from Ghana was solely on a rescue mission, with no further involvement,” the agency added.
He emphasised that the airline did not violate any airspace regulations. NAMA commended the pilot for his professionalism and sound judgment in prioritizing the safety of all individuals aboard.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of airspace safety and ensuring that all operations adhere to international best practices.
NAMA concluded by urging analysts and the public to verify information from authentic sources before commenting on critical national issues.
The agency also hoped this clarification would dispel any misconceptions and reassure air travelers about the safety of Nigeria’s airspace.
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.
