NAMA Clarifies United Airlines Flight UAL 613 Incident, Dismisses Misleading Reports

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has refuted misleading reports regarding the incident involving United Airlines flight UAL 613, which departed Lagos for Washington Dulles on 24 January 2025, carrying 256 passengers and 11 crew members.

In a statement issued by NAMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Abdullahi Musa, the agency clarified that the air return involving the aircraft did not occur within Nigeria’s airspace, contrary to certain erroneous reports by self-styled “aviation experts.”

These analyses, NAMA stated, were based on either inadequate information or outright misinformation.

According to the agency, flight UAL 613 had complied with all standard departure protocols in Lagos before proceeding on its scheduled journey.

However, approximately two hours and 32 minutes into the flight, while traversing Côte d’Ivoire’s airspace, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude.

Despite having alternative landing options in Bamako, Mali, or Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, the pilot opted to return to Lagos, deeming it the safer option for landing.

Upon contact with the aircraft, Nigeria’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) swiftly activated emergency medical services, in line with standard industry procedures, ensuring that all necessary precautions were in place before the flight’s arrival.

The Lagos Area Control Centre established communication with the flight at 180 nautical miles from Lagos, coordinating its safe return.

On arrival at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, emergency protocols were promptly implemented, with ground medical teams on standby to attend to passengers and crew.

Another United Airlines aircraft was subsequently dispatched from Accra, Ghana, to transport the affected passengers to their final destination after they had received medical attention in Nigeria.

Addressing speculation surrounding the aircraft from Ghana, NAMA emphasised that it was strictly deployed as a rescue mission and had no other operational implications.

The agency also stressed that United Airlines had not violated any airspace regulations, commending the pilot’s professionalism and sound judgment in prioritising safety.

Reaffirming its commitment to upholding the highest standards of airspace safety, NAMA reassured air travellers of Nigeria’s adherence to international best practices.

It further urged analysts and commentators to verify information from authorised sources before making public statements on aviation matters.