Nigeria’s aviation regulator said Saturday that a Qatar Airways flight from Lagos to Doha returned to Lagos last weekend as a precaution after the crew detected a technical alert, dismissing reports that described the incident as an emergency.
Qatar Airways flight QR1406 turned back to Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Friday after the cockpit crew identified the issue during the flight.
The aircraft landed normally and safely, with all 248 passengers and 12 crew on board, disembarking without incident, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority said.
“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 said precautionary air returns are a routine part of global aviation safety protocols designed to prioritise passenger safety and allow technical issues to be addressed on the ground.
In a statement issued over the weekend, 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 airline said. “The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority.”
Qatar Airways said passengers were assisted on arrival and rebooked on the next suitable flights to reach their destinations, apologising for any inconvenience caused.
Aviation and emergency authorities said the coordinated response to the aircraft’s return demonstrated the effectiveness of Nigeria’s aviation safety oversight and emergency preparedness.
The NCAA said the incident underscores the professionalism of international carriers operating in Nigeria and reflects safety systems working as designed.
