Thu Jan 30 11:20:00 UTC 2025: **United Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Mid-Air Jolt; Investigation Launched**
LAGOS, NIGERIA – A United Airlines flight from Lagos to Washington, D.C. made an emergency landing back in Lagos early Friday morning after experiencing a sudden, unexplained in-flight movement. The incident on United Flight 613, a Boeing 787 carrying 245 passengers and crew, occurred approximately 90 minutes into the flight over Ivory Coast airspace.
The aircraft, which experienced a mid-air jolt described by United as a “technical issue and an unexpected aircraft movement,” executed a U-turn and returned to Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. Six people – four passengers and two flight attendants – were taken to hospital for injuries, though reports on the severity of those injuries differ, with United describing them as “minor” and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) characterizing them as “serious.” An additional 32 people sustained minor injuries.
Social media footage shows the interior of the plane in disarray, with meal trays and belongings scattered. Passengers are heard shouting. FAAN reported that emergency services were waiting for the plane upon its arrival. Passengers who did not require hospitalization received first aid and were either discharged or transported to a hotel. The aircraft sustained no major damage.
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has opened an investigation into the incident, with Ivorian authorities delegating investigative authority to the NTSB. United Airlines is cooperating with both US and Nigerian aviation authorities to determine the cause of the event, which the airline stated was not severe turbulence. The investigation is ongoing.
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