787’s ‘Unexpected Movement’ Prompts Emergency Landing

A United Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner flying from Lagos, Nigeria, to Washington Dulles made an emergency landing Friday after an inflight incident. Flight 613 returned to Lagos where four passengers and two flight attendants were evaluated for minor injuries, the airline said.

The aircraft ‒ registered as N27903 ‒ suffered a “technical issue and an unexpected aircraft movement,” a United spokesperson stated. There were 245 people onboard, including eight flight attendants and three pilots.

Many inj¥red as U.S.-bound flight with 245 passengers makes emergency return to Lagos

United Airlines flight UA613, en route from Lagos to Washington, declared an emergency and returned to Lagos shortly after takeoff. pic.twitter.com/t8PpisuosU

— Prince Saviour 🇳🇬 (@IPrinceSaviour) January 24, 2025

According to ADS-B data reviewed by the Aviation Safety Network, the Dreamliner was cruising at 36,000 feet over the Ivory Coast. The aircraft initially dropped by around 200 feet and had further changes in altitude before returning to 36,000 feet.

On Tuesday, N27903 was operated the same Lagos to Washington flight when it diverted to Accra, Ghana. Although the reason for the diversion earlier this week remains unknown, the aircraft was on the ground in Accra for nearly 24 hours.

“We are working with aviation authorities in the U.S. and Nigeria to understand the cause,” the spokesperson added.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Follow Ryan

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Follow Ryan

Latest posts by Ryan Ewing (see all)

• Delta Adds New International Long-Haul Route - July 11, 2025
• Pilot Sues United Over Forced Rehab and Termination - July 11, 2025
• American Adds New International Routes - July 10, 2025