RANO AIR FLIGHT GROUNDED AFTER MID-FLIGHT EMERGENCY OVER ABUJA. (PHOTO).

 Rano Air Flight Grounded After Mid-Flight Emergency Over Abuja

A Rano Air passenger aircraft, registration number 5N-BZY, was forced to return to Abuja after a serious mid-flight incident involving engine failure and smoke in the cabin, prompting swift action from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The flight, en route from Abuja to Katsina, experienced a malfunction in its number one engine, leading to smoke filling both the cabin and cockpit. Passengers reported panic as crew members deployed oxygen masks and followed emergency protocols to ensure a safe landing. No casualties were reported, and the smoke dissipated before the aircraft touched down safely in Abuja.

The NCAA immediately grounded the aircraft, citing safety concerns. Engineers are now investigating the cause of the engine failure and smoke incident, according to a preliminary report from the Directorate of Airworthiness. 

The incident disrupted Rano Air’s operations, leaving passengers stranded in Sokoto after the cancellation of a scheduled flight. A rescue aircraft was dispatched to complete the Abuja–Katsina route.

The NCAA reiterated its commitment to passenger and crew safety, stating that grounding aircraft at the first sign of technical issues aligns with international aviation standards. Further updates are expected as the investigation continues.