The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has explained that a Qatar Airways flight from Lagos to Doha returned to Lagos on Friday due to precaution after the crew detected a technical alert.
NCAA dismissed reports that described the incident as an emergency.
The agency made the clarification in a statement released over the weekend.
Recall that Qatar Airways flight QR1406 with 248 passengers turned back to Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Friday after the cockpit crew identified the issue during the flight.
In a statement, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, had described the incident as an emergency landing.
However, the NCAA clarified that the aircraft landed normally and safely, with all 248 passengers and 12 crew on board disembarking without incident.
“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.”
Also speaking on the incident, Qatar Airways said the cockpit crew followed 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 safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority,” the airline said.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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