The incident occurred while the aircraft was in Nigerian airspace, prompting immediate distress signals and triggering an emergency response from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA). The agency confirmed that it activated its emergency response plan as soon as it received the distress call through its 767/112 toll-free lines.
According to a preliminary report signed by LASEMA Permanent Secretary Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency’s Command and Control Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, responded promptly to the distress alerts, mobilising emergency teams to the airport.
Emergency landings are initiated when unexpected technical faults occur mid-flight, prompting pilots to declare a distress situation to air traffic control and request priority landing. In this case, the pilot successfully guided the aircraft to MMIA, where emergency responders were already on standby.
Eyewitnesses described tense moments as the plane approached the runway, with emergency personnel lined up in readiness. Upon landing, LASEMA officials said the aircraft was thoroughly inspected by the pilot and engineering crew before being moved to the apron for a detailed examination and necessary repairs.
Preliminary investigations, according to the LASEMA report, indicated that the incident was caused by technical issues experienced by the aircraft while in flight. Despite the scare, the agency commended the pilot’s professionalism and quick response in bringing the aircraft safely to the ground.
“The pilot executed a safe landing on the runway at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport with LASEMA response teams and other emergency responders on standby,” the report stated.
All passengers were safely evacuated from the aircraft, and no injuries or casualties were reported. LASEMA further stated that there was no significant damage to the aircraft.
“The aircraft has been secured on the apron, recovery activities have been completed, and the rescue operation has been safely concluded,” the agency added.
Emergency teams involved in the response included LASEMA’s Command and Control Centre, LASAMBUS, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) also confirmed the incident. NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu said via WhatsApp that there was an “air return” and that more details would be communicated later.
As of the time of filing this report, Qatar Airways had yet to respond to enquiries sent to its country manager, Ken Chirchir.