United Airlines did not initiate air return within Nigeria’s airspace -NAMA clarifies

Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, has said contrary to reports, United Airlines flight UAL 613, which departed Lagos en route Washington with 256 passengers and 11 crew members on January 24, 2025, did not initiate air return within Nigeria’s airspace.

NAMA also said the the airline did not violate any airspace regulations and commended the pilot’s professionalism and judgment in prioritising the safety of everyone onboard by returning to Nigeria.

Director of Public Affairs/Consumer Protection, NAMA, Abdullahi Musa, in a statement, said approximately 2 hours and 32 minutes after leaving Lagos, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude while over Côte d’Ivoire’s airspace.

The statement reads: “NAMA hereby wishes to address misleading reports regarding United Airlines flight UAL 613, which departed Lagos en route Washington Dulles with 256 passengers and 11 crew members on January 24, 2025.

“This clarification has become necessary owing to some unsubstantiated reports and analyses by certain aviation experts whose commentary is borne out of either inadequate information or misinformation. 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.

“Approximately 2 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.

“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. We emphasise that the airline has not violated any airspace regulations and commend the pilot’s professionalism and judgment in prioritising the safety of everyone onboard. NAMA remains committed to upholding the highest standards of airspace safety and ensuring that all operations adhere to international best practices.

“While hoping that this clarification would disabuse the minds of unsuspecting air travellers and reassure them of the safety of the Nigerian airspace, we also implore analysts to obtain authentic information from appropriate quarters before commenting on critical national issues.”