The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has explained why a Qatar Airways flight heading to Doha returned to Lagos shortly after takeoff. According to the aviation regulator, the aircraft turned back as a precaution after the cockpit crew detected a technical alert during the flight.

The NCAA dismissed reports describing the incident as an emergency landing. The authority clarified that returning to the departure airport due to a technical alert is a normal aviation safety procedure and should not be mistaken for an accident or crisis situation.

Qatar Airways flight QR1406, carrying 248 passengers and 12 crew members, landed normally and safely at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. All passengers disembarked without any injury or disruption, the NCAA confirmed.

Qatar Airways also stated that its crew followed standard operational and safety procedures. The airline emphasized that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority, adding that the decision to return was taken strictly in the interest of safety.