Technical fault forces Brussels Airlines flight back to Accra shortly after take-off

A Brussels Airlines flight SN278 bound for Lomé returned safely to Accra shortly after take-off on Monday (July 20) evening following a technical fault, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has confirmed.

In a statement issued on July 20, 2026, the GCAA said Brussels Airlines Flight SN278, operating from Accra to Lomé, departed the Accra International Airport (AIA) at 6:06 p.m. but developed a technical problem while airborne.

According to the Authority, the flight crew, acting in line with established safety procedures, decided to return to Accra as a precautionary measure.

The aircraft landed safely at 6:18 p.m., with no reported injuries.

The GCAA commended the flight crew for adhering to aviation safety protocols and reaffirmed that the safety of passengers and crew remains its highest priority.

It said investigations into the technical fault are underway and are being conducted by Brussels Airlines in accordance with established aviation safety procedures under the oversight of the GCAA.

Following the incident, Brussels Airlines cancelled Flight SN278. The airline is providing the necessary assistance to affected passengers in line with the Ghana Civil Aviation (Economic) Directives, 2019, Part 2 – Consumer Protection.

The GCAA further assured the travelling public that Ghana's aviation safety and security oversight system remains robust and continues to uphold international safety standards.