A United Airlines flight en route from Lagos to Washington, D.C. was forced to make an emergency return to Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on 24 January 2025, following a “technical issue.”
AviationSource reported the emergency as it happened, and a full coverage of the flight can be found here.
United Airlines Inflight Incident

United Airlines Boeing 787-8, registered N27903, was conducting scheduled flight UA613 from Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). The flight was carrying 245 passengers and 11 crew members.
Whist en route at cruising altitude FL360 (36,000 feet) over the Ivory Coast, the aircraft suffered two altitude deviations.
Whilst the altitude drops were less than 200 feet each time, the incident resulted in serious injuries to four passengers and two crew members. Furthermore, 27 passengers and five crew members reported minor injuries.
Following the inflight incident, flight crew declared an emergency and expedited a return to Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
VIDEO: Watch as Over 200 Passengers Heave Sigh Of Relief After Surviving Crash When United Airline Heading To Washington DC, United States, Made Emergency Return To Lagos pic.twitter.com/2qeGmZN1RZ
— Blueprint Newspapers (@Blueprint_ng) January 24, 2025
38 Treated for Injuries
According to the Aviation Herald, passengers reported that a meal service was in progress when the united Airlines 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft experienced sharp altitude drops.
One passenger was reportedly rendered unconscious after striking his head against the passenger cabin ceiling.
Following the emergency landing, several injured passengers and crew members were transported to local hospitals for medical attention.

Emergency services treated a total of 38 passengers and crew for injuries, with 6 of the injured referred to hospital. All individuals have since been released from the hospital.
United Airlines issued a statement expressing their concern for the well-being of all passengers and crew involved. The airline is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation into the cause of the incident.
The exact nature of the technical issue remains under investigation by aviation authorities.

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