Panic as Private Jet Loses Door Mid-Air, Makes Emergency Landing in Abuja
A private jet operated by Triton Aviation has made a safe emergency landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after losing a door mid-flight shortly after take-off.
The aircraft, identified as a CL60 with registration number T7SEI, declared a MAYDAY emergency about three nautical miles after departing Abuja for the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday.
According to an incident report dated October 15, 2026, the aircraft took off at 4:17 p.m. UTC from Runway 22 and was climbing through 3,000 feet when the crew reported an open-door problem.
Air traffic controllers immediately directed the aircraft to return to Abuja, while the airport’s fire response and medical teams were alerted and placed on standby as a precaution.
At about 4:29 p.m. UTC, the crew contacted Abuja Tower to confirm whether controllers could see the aircraft’s open door. However, an attempt to inspect the aircraft with binoculars proved inconclusive because of its position.
The aircraft subsequently landed safely on Runway 22 at 4:34 p.m. UTC. After landing, the duty air traffic controller observed that the door was missing from the aircraft’s fuselage.
The jet was later taxied to the international apron extension, where it was parked with the assistance of a marshaller at about 4:40 p.m. UTC.
The report did not disclose whether anyone sustained injuries or explain the circumstances surrounding the loss of the door.
Further details on the cause of the incident and any subsequent investigation were not provided.