A United Airlines Lagos-Washington flight made an emergency return after a passenger suffered a mid-air medical crisis, leading to the flight’s cancellation
A United Airlines flight from Lagos to Washington, D.C., made an emergency return on Tuesday after a passenger developed a serious medical complication mid-air.
Flight UA613 departed Lagos around 12:10 a.m. but was forced to turn back more than 90 minutes into the journey. The captain issued an urgent call for medical personnel on board to assist the passenger before announcing the decision to return. “Safeguarding lives is the airline’s top priority,” he reportedly told passengers.
The aircraft landed safely at Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 2:26 a.m., where medical teams were waiting. The ailing passenger was immediately evacuated and taken for urgent medical attention.
Following the incident, United Airlines cancelled the flight. Passengers were later disembarked and assured of hotel accommodation pending further arrangements.
The emergency highlights the growing emphasis on passenger health and safety in aviation, with airlines underlining the need for swift responses to in-flight crises.