Ibom Air Flight Returns to Abuja After Passenger Medical Emergency

An Ibom Air flight en route from Abuja to Lagos was forced to return shortly after takeoff on Monday due to a medical emergency involving a female passenger.

The incident occurred aboard Flight 561, which had departed from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. According to the airline, the passenger identified as a Person with Reduced Mobility (PRM) was traveling with her family when her condition suddenly worsened mid-flight.

With no medical professionals responding to a public call onboard, the cabin crew initiated emergency procedures. They administered oxygen, performed CPR, and followed the DRABCDE emergency protocol (Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure) in accordance with international aviation safety standards.

The crew moved the unresponsive passenger to the galley area and took turns administering CPR. As her condition deteriorated further, the captain opted to return to Abuja. Upon landing, the passenger had been successfully resuscitated and was handed over to the airport’s emergency medical team in stable condition.

Ibom Air later resumed the flight to Lagos after the passenger was evacuated for further treatment. The airline praised the professionalism of its crew and the swift response of the airport’s medical personnel.