Tragedy was averted on Sunday as a United Nigeria Airline aircraft with a flight number U50515 from Port Harcourt to Abuja airport had to Port Harcourt after encountering turbulence at Abuja.

Confirming the development in a statement to newsmen, Head, Corporate Communications, United Nigeria Airline, Mr Achilleus-Chud Uchegbu said: ”A United Nigeria flight number U50515 from PHC to ABV departed PHC with clear and good weather forecast.”

“However on approaching Abuja experienced moderate turbulence which necessitated diverting back to Port Harcourt as weather conditions were below our operating requirements.

"The crew took the required and correct decision to return to PHC.

”Hence, at no time was the flight or aircraft in any danger whatsoever. Our experienced crew acted with utmost professionalism which the passengers highly and profusely commended and complimented”.

”They praised United Nigeria for its high standards as well as professionalism. We however understand that passengers react to weather turbulence in different ways, but it would help to verify facts before going the social media route”.

”At United Nigeria, we take safety seriously and as our number one priority and we reassure you that our crew exercise utmost care in all situations”.

”We are in the rainy season and flight disruptions and turbulence will be experienced which regular travelers  are well aware of,” he said.

Meanwhile a video making the rounds on social media captures passengers of the flight thanking God for sparing their lives.

In the video that was first shared on Instagram by Nigerian artiste and social media influencer Tunde Ednut, the passengers gave gratitude to God as they disembarked from the plane.