An Arik Air flight made an emergency landing after one of its engines was damaged following a loud bang.

In a video seen by TNX Africa, a passenger filmed the charred and mangled engine through the aeroplane window as the bird remained airborne.

The Boeing 737-700, flying from Lagos to Port Harcourt on February 11, 2026, diverted to Benin Airport after the crew heard a loud noise from the left engine, People reported.

The airline said the plane had already been heading to Port Harcourt International when the problem began.

“There were no injuries to passengers and crew as all 80 passengers on board were safely disembarked. Arrangements have been made to transport the affected passengers to their final destination. We sincerely apologise to the affected Port Harcourt passengers whose journey has been disrupted. The safety and well-being of passengers is always our priority at Arik Air,” the airline said in a statement.

Footage on social media showed a large piece of the engine’s outer shell dangling and blowing around.

Passengers were visibly terrified, with some shouting as they watched the damaged engine.

Investigators are still probing the cause. The Aviation Safety Network said the engine failed while the plane was at 27,000 feet, but the pilots managed to land safely.

“Photos from the scene show the engine inlet is missing, and both cowlings are badly torn. One fan blade appears to be missing, suggesting a Fan Blade Off (FBO) event, with other fan blades damaged. Additionally, damage was observed on the leading edge of the vertical stabiliser,” the network said.

Social media users credited the pilots and divine intervention.

Vivian Bruwer on Instagram wrote, “Incredible flying by pilots. Praise the Good Lord for landing them all safely.”

Another user, Blooming Blaq, added, “God took over. And the pilots did great too!”