Qatar Airways flight with 260 onboard makes safe emergency landing in Lagos over technical fault
A Qatar Airways flight carrying 248 passengers and 12 crew members, totalling 260 people, made an emergency landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos after developing a technical fault mid-air, airline and aviation authorities have confirmed. The incident occurred late on Friday, January 16, 2026, when the pilot reported a mechanical issue shortly after the plane entered Nigerian airspace, prompting an immediate return to Lagos under emergency procedures.
Officials from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said that as soon as the distress call was received through emergency lines, response teams were activated and positioned along the runway in preparation for the unscheduled landing. The pilot executed a controlled descent that ensured the plane touched down safely without any injuries to passengers or crew. Responders from multiple agencies, including fire and rescue teams, stood by to assist as soon as the aircraft touched down.
Once safely on the ground, all occupants disembarked without harm, and the aircraft was inspected by engineering crews. LASEMA noted that there was no significant damage to the plane and that emergency protocols worked as expected to avert a potential crisis. The aircraft was moved to the airport apron for detailed assessment and repairs following the emergency landing.
A spokesperson for the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) also acknowledged that an air return had taken place, with further details expected as investigations continue into the nature of the technical fault that prompted the landing. Aviation safety experts have highlighted that such emergency returns, while rare, demonstrate the importance of rigorous maintenance checks and well-trained flight crews in managing in-flight challenges.
Passengers on the affected flight were cleared to leave the airport after the incident, and there were no reports of injuries or medical emergencies linked to the emergency landing. The successful outcome underscores the effectiveness of coordinated emergency response systems at Nigeria’s busiest international airport.
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