The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into a runway excursion involving an Enugu Air Embraer E170 aircraft at Benin Airport after it overran the end of Runway 05 during landing, with all 68 people on board escaping unhurt.
The aircraft, operating as Flight 4264 from Lagos to Benin with registration 5N-ENR, was involved in the incident at about 3:10 p.m. local time on Thursday, July 23, 2026. It was carrying 63 passengers and five crew members, all of whom safely evacuated the aircraft without injuries.
The NSIB said its Go Team arrived at the scene within minutes of receiving notification and immediately commenced an investigation. The team is preserving evidence, interviewing the flight crew and other relevant personnel, examining the aircraft, assessing runway conditions, and reviewing operational and technical records to determine the cause of the occurrence.
The aircraft has since been secured, while the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other relevant airport authorities have been notified.
Commenting on the incident, NSIB Director-General, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., expressed relief that no lives were lost but stressed that every runway excursion is treated as a serious safety occurrence.
“We are relieved that all passengers and crew members are safe and that no injuries were reported. While this is reassuring, every runway excursion is a serious occurrence that deserves a thorough and independent investigation. Our Go Team was on the ground within minutes of notification, and that speed of response reflects the readiness and professionalism of our investigators. We urge the public to refrain from speculation as our investigators carry out their work in accordance with international standards,” he said.
The Bureau said a preliminary report will be released within 30 days in line with regulatory requirements, while the final report, including any safety recommendations, will be published at the conclusion of the investigation.
Enugu Air also confirmed the incident, describing it as a runway excursion after landing. The airline said all passengers and crew safely disembarked and reiterated that there were no injuries or casualties.
It added that an assessment of the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the occurrence is underway in collaboration with the relevant aviation authorities.
The airline warned that the incident could lead to temporary adjustments to some flight schedules, noting that affected passengers would be contacted directly and provided with the necessary assistance.
Enugu Air reaffirmed that the safety of its passengers, crew and operations remains its highest priority and said further updates would be communicated through its official channels.
