An Enugu Air passenger aircraft veered off the runway while landing at Benin Airport on Thursday afternoon, prompting an immediate emergency response and a formal investigation by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB). Fortunately, all 63 passengers and five crew members on board escaped without injuries.
The Embraer E170, registered as 5N-ENR and operating Flight 4264 from Lagos to Benin, overran the end of Runway 05 at approximately 3:10 p.m. local time before coming to a stop in a grassy area beyond the runway. Emergency personnel were quickly deployed to the scene, ensuring the safe evacuation of everyone on board.
Images and videos shared online showed the aircraft resting off the paved runway after the incident. Although the excursion temporarily disrupted airport operations, authorities confirmed there were no casualties or reported injuries, allowing emergency teams to focus on securing the aircraft and assessing the situation.
The NSIB has launched a full safety investigation to determine what caused the runway excursion. While officials have not identified a definitive cause, early reports indicate investigators will examine weather conditions, including heavy rainfall at the time of landing, as well as the possibility of hydroplaning and other operational factors. The bureau stressed that its investigation will focus on establishing the facts and recommending safety measures to prevent similar incidents.
Enugu Air confirmed that the aircraft has been secured and that relevant aviation authorities were notified in accordance with established procedures. The airline also warned that the incident could lead to temporary adjustments to some flight schedules, adding that affected passengers would be contacted directly and provided with the necessary assistance. It reiterated that passenger safety remains its highest priority and pledged full cooperation with investigators throughout the process.
The incident marks one of the most significant operational challenges for the young Nigerian carrier, but the successful evacuation of all 68 occupants has been widely praised as an example of effective emergency response. Aviation authorities are expected to release further findings once the investigation is completed.
