The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has initiated an investigation into the emergency return of United Airlines Flight UA614 to Lagos after several passengers and crew members sustained injuries during a mid-flight incident. The flight, bound for Washington, D.C., was forced to turn back approximately two hours after departing Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
The Boeing 787-8 aircraft carried 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots. The incident, which occurred over Ivory Coast airspace, reportedly involved a rapid loss of cabin pressure, causing turbulence that left six individuals with serious injuries and dozens with minor injuries.
NCAA Vows Thorough Investigation
NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, confirmed that the agency has begun examining the aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder (FDR) to determine the cause of the incident. Achimugu emphasized the authority’s commitment to uncovering the facts, independent of reports from the airline or passengers.
“We are investigating the incident. The Flight Data Recorder is being analyzed to ascertain exactly what happened. When incidents occur, we prioritize thorough investigations before making official statements,” said Achimugu.
He also noted that NCAA officials visited passengers at hotels and hospitals to offer support and assess their condition.
Emergency Response: FAAN Statement
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) praised its swift response to the emergency landing. The aircraft, which departed Lagos at 11:59 PM on Thursday, landed safely at MMIA at 3:22 AM on Friday. According to FAAN, all 256 individuals onboard—245 passengers and 11 crew members—were safely deboarded by the Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS) team.
In a statement, FAAN disclosed that four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries, while 27 passengers and five crew members suffered minor injuries. Emergency medical teams treated the injured, stabilizing those with serious injuries before transferring them to the Duchess Hospital in Ikeja. Others with minor injuries were treated and discharged immediately.
“United Airlines Flight UA614 from Lagos to Washington D.C. experienced a technical issue and made an emergency landing at MMIA. Our rescue teams were on standby and responded swiftly, ensuring the safe evacuation of all onboard. The aircraft itself sustained no major damage,” FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, stated.
Passenger Recounts Ordeal
One passenger, speaking anonymously, recounted the harrowing experience onboard.
“We had just been served our meals when the plane suddenly lost pressure and dropped sharply. I hit my head on the ceiling and briefly lost consciousness. The descent happened three times, causing injuries to many passengers. At one point, the pilot announced we would land in Ghana, but we eventually returned to Nigeria,” the passenger said.
United Airlines Confirms Incident
United Airlines issued a statement acknowledging the incident, attributing the emergency return to a technical issue.
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“Flight UA614 from Lagos to Washington D.C. returned to Lagos to address a technical issue. After landing safely, first responders attended to reports of minor injuries among passengers and crew,” the airline confirmed.
Regulatory Oversight and Safety Assurance
The NCAA has assured the public that its investigation will be comprehensive, with findings released promptly. This incident underscores the importance of robust aviation safety measures and emergency response protocols.