Passengers and airport officials experienced moments of panic on Thursday after an Enugu Air aircraft carrying 63 passengers and five crew members veered off the runway and entered nearby vegetation after landing at Benin Airport in Edo State.
The Embraer E170 aircraft, operating Flight 4264 from Lagos to Benin with registration number 5N-ENR, reportedly overshot the end of Runway 05 at about 3:10 p.m. local time. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, and all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated without any injuries.
In a statement, Enugu Air confirmed the incident and assured the public that everyone on board disembarked safely.
The airline stated that the aircraft had been secured and the appropriate aviation authorities were immediately informed in line with standard procedures. It also noted that some flight schedules could be temporarily adjusted, with affected passengers to be contacted and assisted accordingly.
One of the passengers, Benjamin Mordi, described the frightening experience, saying the aircraft appeared to land much farther down the runway than expected before continuing toward the end of the strip.
He expressed gratitude that everyone escaped unharmed, adding that the outcome could have been far worse.
Following the incident, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) dispatched a team of investigators to the airport to begin a comprehensive investigation.
According to the bureau, investigators immediately secured the scene, interviewed members of the flight crew and other relevant personnel, examined the aircraft, inspected runway conditions, and reviewed operational and technical records to determine what led to the runway excursion.
The NSIB also confirmed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other relevant aviation agencies had been notified, while the aircraft remained secured pending further investigation.
Reacting to the development, NSIB Director-General Capt. Alex Badeh Jr. said it was encouraging that no injuries were recorded but stressed that every runway excursion is treated as a serious safety occurrence requiring a thorough and independent investigation.
He urged members of the public to avoid speculation while investigators carry out their work in line with international aviation standards.
The bureau disclosed that a preliminary report is expected within 30 days, while a final report containing its findings and safety recommendations will be released after the investigation is completed.
The incident also disrupted flight operations at Benin Airport, prompting Air Peace to temporarily suspend all flights to and from the airport due to the closure of the runway.
The airline apologised for the inconvenience caused to passengers, explaining that the disruption resulted from circumstances beyond its control and expressing hope that normal operations would resume once airport authorities reopened the runway.
