The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has confirmed that 31 passengers and seven crew members sustained injuries following an emergency landing of a United Airlines flight at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.

The incident occurred on Thursday when United Airlines flight UA613, a Boeing 787-8 aircraft, en route to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) from Lagos, made an emergency return and landed safely at 3:22am on Friday.

According to a statement by Obiageli Orah, FAAN’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, the flight carried 245 passengers, along with eight cabin crew members and three pilots.

“All passengers and crew disembarked safely,” Orah said. “However, four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries, while 27 passengers and five crew members suffered minor injuries.”

She further explained that the flight had departed MMIA at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday but returned shortly after, with the aircraft parking at gate D31. The Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Medical, and Aviation Security teams were already on standby and swiftly facilitated the deboarding process at 3:37 a.m.

Injured passengers were promptly attended to, with some receiving treatment at the MMA Clinic and the Headquarters Clinic. Those with serious injuries were stabilized and transferred to the Duchess Hospital in Ikeja. Passengers with minor injuries were treated on-site and discharged.

Accommodations were provided for some passengers in nearby hotels. Orah noted that the aircraft did not sustain any significant damage during the incident.

The authority commended the quick response of the rescue teams, ensuring the safety and well-being of all onboard.