•The Enugu Air aircraft
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) on Thursday said it has commenced an investigation into a runway excursion involving an Enugu Air Embraer E170 aircraft at Benin Airport.
The aircraft, operating as Flight 4264 (registration 5N-ENR) from Lagos (LOS) to Benin (BNI), had been involved in a runway excursion after overrunning the end of Runway 05 during landing.
The NSIB said that the incident occurred at approximately 3:10 p.m. yesterday, Thursday, July 23, 2026, with 63 passengers and five crew members on board, reports Channels TV.
It also confirmed that all passengers and crew have been accounted for, while no injuries have been reported.
“The NSIB’s Go Team was mobilised and on the ground at the occurrence site within minutes of notification, underscoring the Bureau’s commitment to a rapid and effective emergency response,” it said in a statement signed by its Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe.
“The team is gathering and preserving evidence, interviewing the flight crew and other relevant personnel, examining the aircraft, assessing runway conditions, and reviewing all other relevant operational and technical information to determine the circumstances and contributing factors to the occurrence.”
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and relevant airport authorities, the NSIB said, have been notified, and the aircraft has been secured.
The Director General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., said the agency is 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 added.
NSIB further noted that a preliminary report would be issued within 30 days, in accordance with regulatory requirements, while the final investigation report, including safety recommendations, will be published upon completion of the investigation.
The incident temporarily disrupted flight operations at the airport in Edo State as emergency responders secured the aircraft and aviation officials began assessing the situation.
Enugu Air, in a statement yesterday, said the runway excursion might result in temporary adjustments to some flight schedules.
It, however, stated that affected passengers would be contacted directly and provided with the necessary assistance.
