Nigeria’s aviation authority announced that a Qatar Airways flight from Lagos to Doha returned to Lagos on Friday as a precautionary measure following a technical alert, dismissing reports that labelled the incident as an emergency.
Qatar Airways flight QR1406 turned back to Murtala Muhammed International Airport after the cockpit crew identified a technical issue during the flight. The aircraft landed safely and in a normal manner, with all 248 passengers and 12 crew members disembarking without incident, according to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
“An air return due to a technical alert that landed normally and safely without incident is standard aviation practice,” said Michael Achimugu, director of public affairs and consumer protection at the NCAA. “There was no incursion, no excursion and no crash landing.”
The regulator explained that precautionary air returns are a routine aspect of global aviation safety protocols, designed to prioritise passenger safety and allow technical issues to be addressed on the ground.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Qatar Airways stated that the cockpit crew adhered to established operational procedures and acted in the interest of safety.
“The cockpit crew followed all established safety procedures, and the aircraft landed safely in Lagos,” the airline said. “The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority.”
Qatar Airways further confirmed that passengers were assisted upon arrival and rebooked on subsequent flights to reach their destinations, apologising for any inconvenience caused.
Aviation and emergency authorities highlighted that the coordinated response to the aircraft’s return demonstrated the effectiveness of Nigeria’s aviation safety oversight and emergency preparedness. The NCAA stated that the incident underscores the professionalism of international carriers operating in Nigeria and affirms that safety systems are functioning as intended.
