BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has issued an official statement to clarify misleading reports surrounding United Airlines flight UAL 613, which departed Lagos for Washington Dulles on January 24, 2025, carrying 256 passengers and 11 crew members.
The clarification was prompted by unsubstantiated claims made by certain aviation experts, whose analyses were based on either inadequate information or outright misinformation.
NAMA, in a statement by Abdullahi Musa, Director, Public Affairs/Consumer Protection, emphasised that the reported incident, which involved an air return, did not occur within Nigerian airspace, as initially suggested.
According to the agency, flight UAL 613 followed all standard departure protocols in accordance with international aviation regulations.
Approximately 2 hours and 32 minutes after takeoff, while over Côte d’Ivoire’s airspace, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude.
Despite being presented with the option to land in either Bamako or Abidjan, the pilot, exercising his professional judgment, opted to return to Nigeria, considering it a safer location for a potential landing.
“The pilot, based on his prerogative and assessment of the situation, decided to return to Nigeria—being the origin of the flight and likely perceiving it as a safer landing site than Bamako or Côte d’Ivoire,” the statement explained.
Upon receiving communication from the aircraft, NAMA’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) immediately activated medical emergency services, as required by industry protocols. Lagos Area Control Centre tracked the flight 180 nautical miles from Lagos and guided the aircraft to a safe landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Emergency protocols were swiftly enacted upon the aircraft’s arrival, with NAMA’s ATC and ground medical teams ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew.
A second United Airlines aircraft was dispatched from Accra to Lagos to assist with the rescue operation.
It was clarified that this aircraft’s mission was purely for the purpose of rescue, with no additional roles or implications.
NAMA reiterated that no airspace regulations were violated by the airline and praised the pilot’s professionalism in prioritizing the safety of everyone on board.
The agency also expressed its ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of airspace safety, in line with international best practices.
NAMA urged analysts and commentators to verify information from credible sources before making public statements, to prevent the spread of misinformation.
The agency expressed hope that this clarification would reassure travelers of the continued safety and professionalism in Nigeria’s airspace.
