An Enugu Air aircraft on Thursday experienced a runway excursion after landing at Benin Airport in Edo State, an incident that initially sparked concerns of a possible air crash before aviation authorities confirmed that all passengers and crew members were safe.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) clarified that the aircraft landed successfully before veering off the runway, stressing that the occurrence was a runway excursion and not a crash. Preliminary reports indicate that adverse weather conditions may have contributed to the incident.
The aircraft, with registration number 5N-ENR, was operating a scheduled commercial service on the Enugu–Benin–Lagos route. It was carrying 68 passengers, in addition to members of the flight crew, at the time of the incident.
Airport sources said the aircraft overshot the runway shortly after touchdown and came to rest in a grassy area adjacent to the runway. The situation prompted an immediate emergency response by aviation authorities and airport personnel.
Officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) swiftly activated emergency procedures, ensuring the orderly evacuation of all passengers and crew members from the aircraft. Emergency responders were deployed to the scene to secure the area and provide assistance where necessary.
Authorities confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were recorded, with all occupants safely accounted for following the evacuation. The prompt response by emergency teams helped prevent panic and ensured the safety of everyone on board.
The NCAA has assured the public that appropriate investigations will be carried out to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the runway excursion. Aviation safety experts are expected to examine factors such as weather conditions, runway conditions, aircraft performance and operational procedures as part of the investigation.
The incident comes as Nigerian aviation authorities continue to emphasise strict adherence to safety protocols and reassure the travelling public that every aviation occurrence is thoroughly investigated to prevent future incidents and maintain confidence in the country’s air transport system.
