Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Panic gripped passengers and airport officials on Thursday after an Enugu Air aircraft carrying 63 passengers and five crew members veered off the runway and ran into the surrounding bush after landing at the Benin Airport in Edo State. The Embraer E170 aircraft, operating as Flight 4264 with registration 5N-ENR, overran the end of Runway 05 at approximately 3:10 p.m. local time on July 23, 2026. All 68 occupants were safely accounted for, and no injuries were reported.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced a full investigation into the incident. In a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe, the bureau confirmed that its Go Team was mobilised and on the ground at the occurrence site within minutes of notification. Investigators are gathering and preserving evidence, interviewing the flight crew and other relevant personnel, examining the aircraft, assessing runway conditions, and reviewing operational and technical information to determine the cause of the excursion.
The NSIB confirmed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and relevant airport authorities have been notified, and the aircraft has been secured. The Director General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., expressed relief that no lives were lost or injuries recorded, describing the outcome as reassuring despite the seriousness of the occurrence. "Every runway excursion is a serious occurrence that deserves a thorough and independent investigation," Badeh said. "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."
A preliminary report on the incident will be released within 30 days in line with regulatory requirements, while the final investigation report, including safety recommendations, will be published after the investigation is completed.
Enugu Air confirmed the incident in a statement, saying, "Enugu Air wishes to inform the public that one of our aircraft operating into Benin experienced a runway excursion after landing today. We confirm that all passengers and crew have safely disembarked and there were no injuries or casualties." The airline noted that there might be temporary adjustments to some flight schedules, and affected passengers would be contacted directly.
The runway excursion disrupted flight operations at the airport, forcing Air Peace to suspend all services to and from Benin. In a statement, the airline said the suspension became necessary following the temporary closure of the runway and described the disruption as beyond its control. One of the passengers, Benjamin Mordi, recounted the tense moments onboard, saying the aircraft appeared to touch down unusually late before continuing towards the end of the runway. "In all, we thank God," he said. "What we noticed was that the aircraft didn't touch the ground where it was supposed to land. It landed almost at the end of the runway, and the plane just kept going until God helped us to stop."
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