*As Authorities Begin Assessment
An Enugu Air aircraft suffered a runway excursion after landing at the Benin Airport on Thursday, with the airline confirming that all passengers and crew members on board were safely evacuated without injuries.
The Enugu State-owned carrier disclosed the incident in a statement posted on its official X handle, explaining that the aircraft was operating into Benin when it veered off the runway after landing.
According to the airline, there were no casualties from the incident.
“Enugu Air wishes to inform the public that one of our aircraft operating into Benin experienced a runway excursion after landing today,” the statement read.
“We confirm that all passengers and crew have safely disembarked and there were no injuries or casualties.”
The airline said the aircraft had been secured and that relevant aviation authorities had been notified in line with established procedures.
It added that an assessment of the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the occurrence was already underway.
“The aircraft has been secured, and the relevant aviation authorities have been notified in line with established procedures. An assessment of the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the occurrence is currently underway,” the airline said.
Enugu Air also said the incident may lead to temporary adjustments to some flight schedules, adding that affected passengers would be contacted directly and provided with the necessary assistance.
“As a result, there may be temporary adjustments to some flight schedules. Passengers affected by any changes will be contacted directly and provided with the necessary assistance,” it stated.
The airline reaffirmed that safety remains its highest priority.
“The safety of our passengers, crew, and operations remains our highest priority. We appreciate your understanding and will continue to provide updates through our official communication channels,” the statement added.
Videos of the incident circulating on social media showed the aircraft off the runway after it came to a stop in what appeared to be a muddy section of the airport. The footage also showed passengers disembarking calmly and in an orderly manner while airport personnel and emergency responders were seen around the scene.
The videos had prompted initial claims that the aircraft crash-landed, but the airline clarified that the occurrence was a runway excursion and insisted that no passenger or crew member was injured.
The aircraft involved was identified as an Embraer regional jet, one of the aircraft recently introduced into Enugu Air’s fleet for commercial operations.
The cause of the runway excursion has not yet been determined, and aviation authorities are expected to investigate the incident.
Enugu Air, owned by the Enugu State Government, commenced commercial operations in July 2025 with a fleet of three Embraer aircraft.
The airline became Nigeria’s second state-owned commercial airline after Ibom Air, which was launched by the Akwa Ibom State Government in 2019.
Since its launch, the Enugu State Government has described the airline as a strategic investment aimed at improving connectivity, stimulating tourism and supporting economic growth in the state.
The post “Enugu Air Aircraft Suffers Runway Excursion At Benin Airport” — Airline Says Passengers, Crew Evacuated Safely appeared first on TheNigeriaLawyer.
