By Peace Orjiani
Enugu Air has reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety following the runway excursion involving one of its aircraft operating from Lagos to Benin, assuring Nigerians that the wellbeing of passengers and crew remains its highest priority.
The airline made the assurance in an official statement issued days after the incident, thanking passengers, partners, stakeholders, and the travelling public for their patience, understanding, and support during the ongoing investigation.
The incident occurred after the aircraft landed at Benin Airport before veering off the runway in what aviation experts describe as a runway excursion. Fortunately, all passengers and crew members on board safely evacuated the aircraft, with no injuries or fatalities recorded.
In its latest statement, Enugu Air acknowledged the concern generated by the occurrence but emphasized that safety continues to guide every aspect of its operations.
The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority.
We understand the concern following the runway excursion involving our Lagos-Benin flight, which occurred after landing in Benin, and appreciate the support, patience, and understanding shown by our passengers, partners, stakeholders, and the travelling public.”
The airline further stated that it is cooperating fully with aviation regulators and investigators to determine the exact cause of the incident.
“We remain committed to the highest standards of safety and will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities as investigations continue.”
As part of the safety response, authorities temporarily closed the runway at Benin Airport to allow investigators to examine the scene and remove the affected aircraft. Enugu Air said updates would continue to be provided through its official communication channels as more information becomes available.
What Happened?
According to preliminary reports from aviation authorities, the aircraft involved was an Embraer E170, operating Flight 4264 from Lagos to Benin on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
The aircraft reportedly landed safely before overrunning the end of Runway 05 at Benin Airport at approximately 3:10 p.m. local time. There were 63 passengers and five crew members on board, all of whom were safely accounted for after the incident.
Images and videos circulating on social media shortly after the occurrence showed the aircraft resting on muddy ground beyond the paved runway following heavy rainfall in the area.
Heavy Rain Believed to Have Contributed
Although investigators have not yet released their final findings, aviation officials have indicated that adverse weather conditions may have played a significant role.
Reports suggest heavy rainfall reduced runway friction, leading to hydroplaning, a situation where aircraft tyres lose effective contact with the runway surface because of standing water. Enugu Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Captain Tolu Ita, later clarified that the aircraft experienced a runway excursion after hydroplaning and stressed that the occurrence should not be described as a crash.
Experts note that runway excursions can happen in challenging weather conditions and do not necessarily indicate mechanical failure. Investigations are usually comprehensive and consider multiple factors, including weather, runway conditions, aircraft performance, and operational procedures before any conclusions are reached.
NSIB Launches Investigation
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced a full investigation into the incident.
According to the Bureau, its emergency response team arrived at the scene within minutes to secure evidence, inspect the aircraft and runway, and interview the flight crew.
The NSIB says a preliminary report is expected within 30 days, while a final report containing safety recommendations will be released after all technical analyses have been completed. The agency has urged Nigerians to avoid speculation until the investigation is concluded.
FAAN Appeals Against Speculation
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has also appealed to the public to refrain from spreading unverified information.
In a statement, FAAN emphasized that investigations into aviation incidents follow internationally accepted procedures and should be allowed to run their course without interference from social media speculation or misinformation.
Temporary Flight Disruptions
The temporary closure of Benin Airport’s runway has affected flight operations to and from the airport.
Several airlines announced cancellations and schedule adjustments pending the reopening of the runway by aviation authorities. Passengers travelling through Benin have been advised to stay in contact with their respective airlines for updated travel information.
Enugu Air has similarly informed passengers that some services may experience temporary changes while recovery operations continue.
Despite the incident, aviation experts say the successful evacuation of everyone on board demonstrates that established emergency procedures worked effectively.
The airline has reiterated that maintaining the safety of passengers, crew members, and flight operations remains its highest priority and promised to continue cooperating with regulatory agencies throughout the investigation.
For many passengers, the most reassuring outcome remains that every person on board walked away safely, allowing investigators the time needed to determine exactly what caused the runway excursion and recommend measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
As investigations continue, Enugu Air says it remains committed to transparency and will provide timely updates through its official communication platforms.