AWC AVIATION DESK
Benin City, Edo State — Flight operations at the Benin Airport were temporarily disrupted after an aircraft belonging to Enugu Air suffered a runway excursion during landing, forcing aviation authorities to close the runway temporarily and commence investigations into the incident.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, July 23, 2026, involved an Enugu Air Embraer E170 aircraft operating Flight 4264 from Lagos to Benin. The aircraft, with 63 passengers and five crew members onboard, reportedly overshot the end of Runway 05 after landing amid adverse weather conditions. All passengers and crew members were safely evacuated, with no injuries or fatalities recorded.
Runway Closure Disrupts Flight Operations
Following the incident, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) temporarily shut the runway at Benin Airport to allow for safety assessment, removal of the aircraft and investigation by relevant aviation agencies.
The temporary closure affected flight operations into and out of the airport, with airlines announcing adjustments to their schedules.
It was reported that some airlines suspended flights to Benin pending the reopening of the runway after aviation authorities confirmed that it was safe for operations.
The closure was a standard aviation safety measure designed to prevent further risks while investigators examined the condition of the runway and the aircraft involved.
NSIB Begins Investigation
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced a formal investigation into the occurrence.
According to the agency, its investigation team arrived at the scene shortly after the incident to secure evidence, inspect the aircraft and runway environment, and obtain relevant information from the flight crew and other stakeholders.
The NSIB said a preliminary report would be issued in line with international aviation investigation procedures, while urging the public to avoid speculation until the investigation is concluded.
Weather Conditions Under Review
Initial reports indicate that weather conditions may have played a role in the incident.
According to aviation reports, heavy rainfall was occurring around the time the aircraft landed, although investigators are expected to determine the exact factors that contributed to the runway excursion.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed that the aircraft skidded off the runway after landing but stressed that all passengers and crew members were safe.
Enugu Air Confirms Safety of Passengers
In its official statement, Enugu Air confirmed that the aircraft experienced a runway excursion after landing and that everyone onboard disembarked safely.
The airline said the aircraft had been secured, aviation authorities had been notified and an assessment of both the aircraft and circumstances surrounding the incident had commenced.
The airline also warned passengers that some flight schedules might experience temporary adjustments as investigations and operational assessments continue.
Aviation Safety Experts Call for Lessons
The incident has renewed discussions on runway safety, airport infrastructure and emergency preparedness in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
A runway excursion occurs when an aircraft leaves the designated runway surface during landing or takeoff. Aviation experts note that such incidents require careful investigation because several factors, including weather, runway condition, aircraft performance, pilot decisions and operational procedures, can contribute.
While the safe evacuation of all passengers has been widely described as a positive outcome, experts say the incident should provide an opportunity for aviation authorities to strengthen safety systems and emergency response mechanisms across Nigerian airports.
Benin Airport Operations Expected to Resume After Clearance
Authorities are expected to reopen the runway once safety inspections, aircraft removal and regulatory checks are completed.
The incident has so far been described as a safety event rather than a fatal accident, with investigations expected to provide clearer answers on what caused the aircraft to leave the runway.
For passengers and stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation industry, the priority remains ensuring that lessons from the occurrence translate into improved airport safety standards nationwide.
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