By NADIA NTIAMOAH
A Brussels Airlines flight bound for Lomé, Togo, was forced to return to Kotoka International Airport in Accra on Monday evening after developing a technical fault shortly after take-off, prompting the flight crew to initiate precautionary safety procedures.
The aircraft, operating as Flight SN278, departed Accra at 6:06 p.m. but encountered a technical issue while en route to the Togolese capital.
According to the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the flight crew acted in accordance with established aviation safety protocols by deciding to return to Accra rather than continue the journey.
The aircraft landed safely at 6:18 p.m., just 12 minutes after take-off, with no injuries reported among passengers or crew.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 20, 2026, the GCAA commended the professionalism of the flight crew, describing their response as consistent with internationally accepted aviation safety procedures.
The Authority stressed that the safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain the highest priority in the aviation industry.
According to the GCAA, investigations have commenced to determine the exact nature of the technical problem that prompted the aircraft’s return.
The investigation is being conducted by Brussels Airlines under the regulatory oversight of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, in line with established aviation safety standards.
Following the incident, Brussels Airlines cancelled Flight SN278 to allow engineers to assess the aircraft and undertake the necessary technical inspections before it is returned to service.
The GCAA said passengers affected by the cancellation are receiving assistance from Brussels Airlines in accordance with the Ghana Civil Aviation (Economic) Directives, 2019 (Part 2 – Consumer Protection), which outlines the rights of air travellers in cases involving delays, cancellations and other service disruptions.
Although the Authority did not disclose the specific technical fault, it assured the travelling public that precautionary returns of aircraft following the detection of technical abnormalities are standard international aviation practice and are intended to prevent potential safety risks.
