By Isaac Mission
Commercial flight activities at Benin Airport have resumed following the reopening of the airport’s runway after nearly two weeks of closure.
ValueJet announced on Tuesday that it would restart flights to and from Benin beginning Wednesday, 5 August 2026. In a notice issued to passengers, the airline confirmed that normal operations would continue now that the runway has been declared fit for use.
An official of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), who spoke anonymously because they were not authorised to speak publicly, also confirmed that the runway had been reopened.
Why the Runway Was Closed
The runway was shut down after an incident on 23 July involving an Enugu Air Embraer E170 arriving from Lagos. After landing, the aircraft left the runway with 63 passengers and five crew members on board.
Fortunately, everyone on the flight evacuated safely, and no injuries or fatalities were reported.
Although Enugu Air initially referred to the occurrence as a runway incursion, aviation experts classify the event as a runway excursion because the aircraft departed the runway surface after landing.
Following the incident, aviation authorities secured the aircraft and immediately began recovery operations while safety inspections were carried out.
Investigation Still Ongoing
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) deployed investigators to Benin Airport to determine what caused the occurrence.
According to the bureau, investigators are examining the aircraft, inspecting the runway, interviewing the flight crew and other relevant personnel, and reviewing operational and technical records before reaching any conclusions.
NSIB Director-General Alex Badeh Jr. noted that even though no lives were lost, the incident remains a serious aviation occurrence. He urged the public to avoid speculation until the investigation is completed.
Enugu Air’s Chief Executive Officer and Accountable Manager, Tolu Ita, later stated that the aircraft experienced hydroplaning during landing, which she said contributed to the runway excursion. Hydroplaning occurs when water builds up between an aircraft’s tyres and the runway, reducing traction and making braking or steering more difficult.
However, the official cause of the incident will only be established after the NSIB concludes its investigation.
Impact on Flight Operations
The temporary closure of the runway disrupted flight schedules at Benin Airport, forcing several airlines, including Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines, to suspend or adjust their services.
With the runway now back in operation, airlines are expected to gradually restore their normal flight schedules, improving connectivity for travellers using the airport.
