An Enugu Air aircraft veered off the runway after landing at Benin Airport on Thursday, prompting an emergency response and a temporary disruption of flight operations at the airport.
The airline confirmed the incident in a statement, assuring the public that all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated. It added that no injuries or fatalities were recorded.
“The aircraft has been secured and the relevant aviation authorities have been notified in line with established procedures. An assessment of the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the occurrence is currently underway,” the airline said.
Emergency responders quickly secured the aircraft while aviation officials commenced an assessment of the situation. Enugu Air also noted that the runway excursion could lead to temporary adjustments to some flight schedules, stating that affected passengers would be contacted directly and provided with the necessary assistance.
Reassuring passengers, the airline said the safety of its passengers, crew and operations remains its highest priority. It added that it is cooperating fully with the relevant aviation authorities as investigations into the incident continue.
Enugu Air further thanked passengers for their understanding and said additional updates would be communicated through its official channels.
NSIB Launches Investigation into Enugu Air’s, Aircraft Incident
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has announced the commencement of an investigation into the runway excursion involving the Embraer E170 aircraft at Benin Airport.
According to the Bureau, the aircraft, operating as Flight 4264 with registration 5N-ENR from Lagos (LOS) to Benin (BNI), was involved in the incident after overrunning the end of Runway 05 during landing.
The NSIB confirmed that all passengers and crew members have been accounted for and that no injuries were reported.
“The NSIB’s Go Team was mobilised and on the ground at the occurrence site within minutes of notification, underscoring the Bureau’s commitment to a rapid and effective emergency response,” the agency said in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe.
“The team is gathering and preserving evidence, interviewing the flight crew and other relevant personnel, examining the aircraft, assessing runway conditions, and reviewing all other relevant operational and technical information to determine the circumstances and contributing factors to the occurrence.”
The Bureau added that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other relevant airport authorities have been notified, while the aircraft has been secured as investigations continue.
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