NAMA Clears The Air On United Airlines Flight UAL 613 Incident

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has issued a statement to clarify the details surrounding the incident involving United Airlines flight UAL 613. The flight, which departed from Lagos to Washington on January 24, 2025, with 256 passengers and 11 crew members on board, did not initiate a return to Nigeria’s airspace as previously reported.

NAMA explained that the airline did not breach any airspace regulations, and they commended the pilot for prioritizing the safety of everyone aboard by deciding to return to Nigeria. Abdullahi Musa, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NAMA, addressed the misinformation surrounding the event, noting that after 2 hours and 32 minutes into the flight, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude while over Côte d’Ivoire’s airspace.

Musa’s statement read: “We wish to correct inaccurate reports about United Airlines flight UAL 613. Contrary to claims, the flight did not return within Nigeria’s airspace. The flight, which left Lagos for Washington Dulles, adhered to all standard protocols and international aviation regulations.

“Approximately 2 hours and 32 minutes into the flight, the aircraft encountered a sudden altitude loss over Côte d’Ivoire. Though the pilot had the option to land in Bamako or Abidjan, he chose to return to Nigeria, considering it safer to land in Lagos, the origin of the flight, rather than in those locations.

“After establishing contact, Air Traffic Control (ATC) activated medical emergency services, as per industry standards. The flight, which was 180 nautical miles from Lagos, was guided to a safe landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport with the help of emergency services on the ground.

“NAMA’s ATC and medical teams swiftly executed emergency protocols to ensure the safety of all onboard. Another United Airlines aircraft, dispatched from Accra, flew to Lagos to assist the passengers, who were treated by Nigerian medical personnel.

“Contrary to some claims, the aircraft from Ghana was solely on a rescue mission. We want to emphasize that United Airlines did not breach any airspace regulations. We commend the pilot for his professionalism and his decision to prioritize the safety of all passengers and crew. NAMA remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of airspace safety in line with international best practices.”

NAMA concluded by urging analysts to rely on verified sources of information when discussing sensitive matters related to air travel, in order to prevent misinformation and reassure the public of the safety of Nigerian airspace.