Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
United Nigeria Airlines has temporarily suspended all flight operations to and from Benin Airport following the closure of the airport's runway by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The suspension, announced in a statement issued on Thursday, July 23, 2026, came hours after an aircraft operating into Benin Airport veered off the runway after landing, prompting aviation authorities to shut the runway to facilitate recovery operations and conduct safety assessments.
The airline confirmed that all flights to and from Benin Airport have been cancelled and will remain grounded until the runway is declared safe and reopened by the aviation authorities. "We wish to inform our valued passengers and the general public that, due to the closure of the runway by the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) as a result of an excursion, all our flights to and from Benin Airport have been cancelled pending its reopening," the airline said in its statement.
The incident, described as a runway excursion, occurs when an aircraft departs the runway surface during take-off or landing. Such incidents typically trigger temporary runway closures to enable aircraft recovery, inspection of airport infrastructure, and comprehensive safety evaluations before flight operations can resume. FAAN is expected to reopen the runway after recovery operations and necessary safety checks have been completed, paving the way for normal flight operations to resume at the airport.
United Nigeria Airlines apologised to passengers affected by the disruption and advised them to contact its customer service team for assistance with rebooking and other travel arrangements. "We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may have caused. All passengers who have been affected by this development are advised to contact our customer service for further information and any assistance needed with rebooking," the airline stated. The carrier reiterated its commitment to passenger welfare, adding: "We are open to offering any needed assistance because the welfare of our passengers is our priority". The airline also appealed for patience and understanding while the situation is being resolved, expressing gratitude for passengers' trust.
The runway closure and subsequent flight suspension have disrupted travel plans for passengers on the Benin route, with the airline working to minimise the impact of the cancellations. As FAAN continues its recovery work and safety assessments, United Nigeria Airlines has assured passengers that operations will resume as soon as the runway is declared safe for use.
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