The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has provided insight into why United Airlines flight UAL 613 opted to return to Nigeria for an emergency landing instead of diverting to closer airports in Bamako (Mali) or Abidjan (Ivory Coast).
The incident occurred on January 24, 2025, when the aircraft, carrying 256 passengers and 11 crew members, departed from Lagos to Washington Dulles but had to turn back due to a sudden loss of altitude while flying over Côte d’Ivoire’s airspace.
Pilot’s Decision Based on Safety and Familiarity
In a statement, Abdullahi Musa, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NAMA, clarified that the pilot made a deliberate choice to return to Nigeria rather than land at the closer airports.
“Despite having the option to land in Bamako or Abidjan, the pilot made a professional judgment to return to Lagos, the origin of the flight, where he likely felt more confident in the safety protocols and available support,” Musa explained.
He added that the decision was based on a thorough assessment of the situation, familiarity with the airport, and confidence in the emergency response system at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
Clarifying Misconceptions About the Incident
NAMA also addressed misleading reports circulating in the aviation community, stating that some analyses were based on incomplete or incorrect information.
“To be clear, the incident did not occur within Nigerian airspace. Flight UAL 613 had complied with all international aviation safety protocols upon departure from Lagos,” Musa emphasized.
Swift Emergency Response in Lagos
Once the pilot declared an emergency, Nigeria’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) team sprang into action:
- ATC in Lagos Area Control Centre picked up the aircraft 180 nautical miles from Lagos.
- A medical emergency team was put on standby as per standard aviation safety protocols.
- The aircraft was safely guided to land at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
- Upon arrival, emergency medical teams attended to passengers and crew members.
To ensure passenger continuity, United Airlines dispatched another aircraft from Accra, Ghana, to transport affected passengers to their final destinations.
No Violation of Airspace Regulations
Musa commended the pilot’s professionalism in handling the situation and assured the public that NAMA remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of air safety.
“The pilot acted in the best interest of safety, and we recognize his good judgment. The decision to return to Lagos was not a violation of airspace regulations but rather a well-calculated move to ensure passenger and crew safety,” he stated.
With this incident, NAMA reaffirmed its commitment to upholding global best practices in aviation safety and airspace management.
