Qatar Airways Aircraft Makes Emergency Landing in Lagos
Qatar Airways Aircraft Makes Emergency Landing in Lagos
On Friday night, January 16, 2026, a Qatar Airways flight carrying 260 passengers made an emergency landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
The aircraft, which had 248 passengers and 12 crew members on board, experienced technical malfunction while flying within Nigerian airspace.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) reported that they were alerted via emergency toll-free lines, leading to the rapid deployment of the state’s crisis management protocol.
Teams from LASEMA and airport security were immediately stationed along the runway, prepared to handle the high-stakes situation as the plane approached.
Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, noted in an official report that the pilot demonstrated exceptional skill during the emergency. After notifying the control tower of the mechanical issues, the flight crew followed guidance to execute a successful landing, bringing the plane to a halt without further incident.
The scene at the airport was filled with tension as emergency responders watched the aircraft descend toward the waiting rescue vehicles. Once the plane was stationary, LASEMA officials confirmed that all 260 people were evacuated from the cabin safely and no injuries were recorded, averting a major tragedy.
In the aftermath, LASEMA praised the seamless coordination between various response agencies, citing their quick action as the reason for the positive outcome.
Formal investigations are now underway to identify the specific technical failure that forced the aircraft to ground prematurely.
