WorldStage– Enugu Air has confirmed that one of its aircraft experienced a runway excursion during landing at Benin Airport on Thursday, assuring the public that all passengers and crew on board are safe.
In a public notice issued by the airline, it stated that everyone on board safely disembarked from the aircraft, with no injuries or casualties recorded.
The airline stated that the aircraft had been secured and the relevant aviation authorities have been notified in accordance with established safety procedures.
It added that an assessment of the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the occurrence is currently underway.
Enugu Air also advised passengers that the incident could lead to temporary adjustments to some flight schedules.
According to the airline, affected passengers will be contacted directly and provided with the necessary assistance.
The airline reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of its passengers, crew and operations remained its highest priority.
The management promised to provide further updates through its official communication channels as more information becomes available.
The aircraft with registration number, 5N-ENR from Lagos to Benin, skidded off the runway with 63 passengers and five crew members on board, and landed at about 1.57 p.m. (
Menawhile the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into a runway excursion involving an Enugu Air Embraer E170 aircraft at Benin Airport (BNI).
This is contained in a statement signed by Mrs Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe, the NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance on Thursday in Abuja.
According to the statement, the aircraft, operating as Flight 4264 (registration 5N-ENR) from Lagos (LOS) to Benin (BNI), was involved in a runway excursion after overrunning the end of Runway 05 during landing at approximately 1510 hours local time (1410 UTC) on Thursday.
“There were 63 passengers and five crew members on board. All passengers and crew have been accounted for, and no injuries have been 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 team is gathering and preserving evidence, interviewing flight crew and other relevant personnel, examining aircraft, assessing runway conditions, and reviewing all other relevant operational and technical information to determine circumstances and contributing factors to the occurrence.”
It said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and relevant airport authorities had been notified, and the aircraft had been secured.
Commenting on the occurrence, the Director-General of the NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh, said the bureau was relieved that all passengers and crew members were safe and that no injuries were reported.
”While this is reassuring, every runway excursion is a serious occurrence that deserves a thorough and independent investigation.
”Our Go Team was on the ground within minutes of notification, and that speed of response reflects the readiness and professionalism of our investigators.
”We urge the public to refrain from speculation as our investigators carry out their work in accordance with international standards, ” he said.
NSIB boss said a preliminary report would be issued within 30 days, in accordance with regulatory requirements.
He added that the final investigation report, including safety recommendations, would be published upon completion of the investigation.According to him, NSIB urges all stakeholders in the aviation industry to continue prioritising safety and to cooperate fully with ongoing investigations,” he said.
