Why United Airlines chose Nigeria over neighbouring countries for emergency landing

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has explained why United Airlines chose to make air return to Nigeria during its recent incident despite having the option to land in Bamako or Abidjan which was a closer location from where it noticed sudden loss of altitude.

Recalled that United Airlines flight UAL 613, which departed Lagos en route Washington Dulles with 256 passengers and 11 crew members on January 24th, 2025, made air return after it noticed a technical issue and an unexpected aircraft movement.

A statement by Abdullahi Musa, director public affairs and consumer protection, NAMA, stated that approximately two hours and 32 minutes after departure, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude while over Côte d’Ivoire’s airspace.

“Despite having the option to land in Bamako or Abidjan, the pilot, based on his prerogative and assessment of the situation, decided to return to Nigeria, being the origin of the flight and where he probably considered safer for him to make a landing rather than Bamako or Cote d’ivorie where he experienced the loss of altitude,” Musa said.

He said the clarification had become necessary owing to some unsubstantiated reports and analyses by certain “aviation experts” whose commentary is borne out of either inadequate information or misinformation.

Read also: We’re working with authorities in Nigeria, US. to ascertain cause of incident – United Airline

“For the avoidance of doubt, the reported incident involving an air return in the Nigerian airspace did not occur within Nigeria’s airspace. Flight UAL 613, a scheduled service from Lagos to Washington fulfilled all departure protocols in accordance with international aviation standards.

“Upon contact with the flight, ATC activated medical emergency services as requested by the pilot and also as required by laid down industry procedures. All hands were on deck to receive the aircraft on landing. Lagos Area Control Centre picked the flight 180 nautical miles from Lagos. It activated a medical emergency stand-by and guided the flight to a safe landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

“Upon arrival, emergency protocols were immediately activated by NAMA’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) and ground medical teams, ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew onboard. Another aircraft belonging to the airline flew to Lagos from Accra to rescue the passengers having received treatment by the Nigerian medical personnel. Contrary to insinuations this aircraft from Ghana was strictly on a rescue mission and nothing more,” he said.

He emphasised that the airline had not violated any airspace regulations and commend the pilot’s professionalism and judgment in prioritising the safety of everyone onboard.

He assured that NAMA remains committed to upholding the highest standards of airspace safety and ensuring that all operations adhere to international best practice.