On January 25, 2025, United Airlines Flight 613, traveling from Lagos, Nigeria to Washington Dulles International Airport, was forced to return to Lagos following sudden turbulence resulting in chaos onboard and injuries to several individuals. This alarming incident, which left passengers fearing for their safety, is now under investigation by aviation authorities.
The Boeing 787 aircraft departed from Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 11:59 p.m. local time on Thursday (5:59 p.m. ET) and experienced what passengers described as 'unexpected movement' approximately 93 minutes after takeoff, drastically changing altitude and causing food and belongings to scatter throughout the cabin. Video footage confirmed by NBC News showed the disorder, with meal trays and food strewn across the aisle and parts of the cabin interior dislodged.
Initially, the emergency landing occurred at 3:22 a.m. on Friday (9:22 p.m. ET Thursday), following the plane's distress call. The flight had been carrying 245 passengers, eight crew members, and three pilots. While it was fortunate there were no fatalities, six individuals, consisting of four passengers and two flight attendants, sustained minor injuries and were transported to Duchess Hospital for treatment. They were reported stable and have since been released.
According to Michael Achimugu, director of public affairs at Nigeria's Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), emergency medical teams were staged and prepared at the airport, ensuring prompt response upon the flight's return. “The medical team were in direct communication with the pilot prior to the aircraft’s landing in Lagos,” Achimugu stated.
United Airlines has stated their commitment to fully cooperate with investigations conducted by both U.S. and Nigerian aviation authorities. "We are working with aviation authorities in the U.S. and Nigeria to understand the cause," the airline noted to USA TODAY. Interestingly, this incident echoed concerns from earlier events involving other Boeing 787 flights, including one earlier this month where multiple injuries occurred due to similar unexpected movements.
The sudden descent of United Flight 613, dropping nearly 1,000 feet within one minute, has raised eyebrows within the aviation community. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released information stating it will defer to the NCAA and United Airlines for detailed reports.
The incident has drawn attention to the safety of the Boeing 787 model, previously experiencing scrutiny following last year's incident with another international airline, Latam Airlines. That event involved mid-air turbulence caused by a flight attendant inadvertently manipulating pilot seat controls, leading to numerous injuries onboard. United Airlines has assured customers they are taking this matter seriously.
Passengers who were affected by the recent emergency are being rebooked on alternative flights and provided accommodations. Many have taken to social media to share their experiences, highlighting the chaotic scenes inside the cabin following the jolt.
While the cause of the alarming descent remains under investigation, the occurrences surrounding United Flight 613 prompt necessary discussions surrounding the aviation industry's responsiveness to unexpected challenges during flights. Stricter attention to safety protocols and continued evaluations of aircraft movements could portend necessary changes to prevent similar incidents from occurring again.
With the aviation authorities now engaged, the findings from this investigation will likely lead to greater clarity about the incident and shape the future of safety measures for United Airlines and other airlines operating the Boeing 787. For now, the focus remains on ensuring passenger safety and restoring confidence among travelers using this internationally significant route.