Ibom Air, on Sunday, experienced a medical emergency shortly after take-off on board Flight 561 from Abuja to Lagos.
The emergency situation forced the captain of the flight to make air return to Abuja, its point of departure.
In an official statement issued on Tuesday, the airline explained that on September 21, 2025, a female passenger experienced a medical emergency shortly after take-off on board Ibom Air Flight 561 from Abuja to Lagos.
It further stated that “our cabin crew, fully trained in handling in-flight medical emergencies, responded swiftly and professionally by administering oxygen, CPR, and other first-aid protocols.
“Prior to departure, the Senior Cabin Crew Member (SCCM) was notified of a Passenger with Reduced Mobility (PRM), travelling with her husband and family. Shortly after take-off, and as the crew commenced in-flight service, a medical emergency was reported in the cabin. The SCCM and the team immediately assessed the situation and made a public announcement requesting medical personnel onboard, but none was available.
“The crew promptly applied the DRABCDE protocol, Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure in line with first-aid best practice. The passenger, who had no detectable pulse or breathing, was moved to the galley area where CPR and oxygen administration were carried out.
“In accordance with standard safety procedures, the captain made the decision to return to Abuja to ensure the passenger received immediate medical attention. During the flight back, the crew took turns performing chest compressions and providing updates to the captain until landing.
“Upon arrival, the passenger, who had been successfully resuscitated by the Ibom Air crew, was handed over to the airport’s emergency medical response team for further care. At the time of transfer, the passenger’s pulse and breathing had been revived, and she was reported stable. The flight was subsequently turned around and resumed service.”
Ibom Air, however, reiterated that safety remains Ibom Air’s highest priority, just as they commend their cabin crew for their professionalism.