This article summarizes reporting by Punch Newspapers, Vanguard News, and official statements from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau.

Arik Air Boeing 737-700 Diverts to Benin City Following Engine Failure

An Arik Air Boeing 737-700 carrying 80 passengers and crew performed an emergency diversion to Benin Airport (BNI) on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, following a mid-air mechanical failure. The incident, which involved a “loud bang” and the subsequent shutdown of the left engine, resulted in no injuries, according to airline officials and safety regulators.

The flight, designated W3 740, was operating a scheduled domestic service from Murtala Muhammed Airport (LOS) in Lagos to Port Harcourt International Airport (PHC). During the descent phase, the flight crew detected an anomaly and elected to divert to Benin City in Edo State as a safety precaution. All occupants disembarked safely without the need for emergency evacuation slides.

According to reporting by Punch Newspapers, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has formally launched an investigation into the event, citing “significant damage” to the aircraft’s engine cowling and fuselage.

Incident Timeline and Crew Response

The incident occurred as the aircraft, registered as 5N-MJF, began its descent toward Port Harcourt. Passengers and crew reported hearing a loud noise emanating from the left-hand engine. In response, the pilots followed standard operating procedures for engine failure, shutting down the affected powerplant and initiating a diversion to the nearest suitable airfield.

Arik Air confirmed the sequence of events in a statement issued shortly after the landing. Adebanjo Ola, a spokesperson for the airline, emphasized that the diversion was a necessary safety step.

“The aircraft was on its descent to Port Harcourt when the operating crew heard a loud bang on the left engine. As a precautionary measure, the crew made a safe diversion to Benin.”

Adebanjo Ola, Arik Air Spokesperson (via Vanguard News)

Following the safe landing in Benin City, the airline arranged alternative transportation to convey the affected passengers to their final destination in Port Harcourt.

Investigation and Damage Assessment

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has dispatched a team to Benin Airport to assess the aircraft and retrieve critical flight data. Preliminary visual inspections have revealed substantial damage to the left engine.

NSIB Preliminary Findings

Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance for the NSIB, confirmed the bureau is treating the event as a serious incident. According to the NSIB’s initial assessment, the engine cowling, the removable cover of the engine, separated during the flight. Debris from the engine reportedly struck the aircraft’s fuselage and vertical stabilizer.

Despite the structural impact from the debris, there were no reports of critical airframe failure, and the aircraft remained controllable throughout the diversion. Investigators are currently working to retrieve the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) to determine the precise cause of the mechanical failure.

AirPro News Analysis: Operational Context

While the investigation is in its early stages, the incident draws attention to the operational challenges facing Arik Air. The aircraft involved, a Boeing 737-700 registered as 5N-MJF, was delivered to the airline in December 2007, making it approximately 18 years old at the time of the incident. The CFM56-7B engines powering this aircraft are generally regarded as highly reliable workhorses in the global aviation industry.

However, the broader context of Arik Air’s financial health remains a point of industry discussion. The airline has been under the receivership of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) since February 2017 due to significant debt obligations. In recent years, the carrier has faced a shrinking fleet size and operational constraints.

We note that while mechanical failures can occur on any airline regardless of financial status, the NSIB investigation will likely scrutinize maintenance records to determine if the cowling separation was a result of material fatigue or a maintenance oversight. It is important to highlight that despite these challenges, the flight crew successfully managed a high-stress situation, adhering to safety protocols that prevented injury or loss of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was anyone injured during the incident?
No. All 80 passengers and crew members disembarked safely. There were no reported injuries.

What caused the diversion?
The crew heard a loud bang from the left engine during descent. Preliminary reports indicate the engine cowling separated, causing damage to the fuselage and necessitating an engine shutdown.

What is the status of the investigation?
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched a formal probe and is currently analyzing the aircraft’s “black boxes” (FDR and CVR).

Is Arik Air still operating?
Yes, though the airline has been under AMCON receivership since 2017 and has been operating with a reduced fleet size in recent years.

Sources: Punch Newspapers, Vanguard News, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Air Data News