The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau NSIB has opened an investigation after an Enugu Air aircraft overran the runway while landing at Benin Airport in Edo State, forcing the temporary closure of the airport’s runway and disrupting flight operations.
The incident occurred on Thursday when the Embraer E170 aircraft, operating an Enugu Air scheduled flight, landed on Runway 05 and continued beyond the paved surface before coming to a stop. The aircraft was carrying 63 passengers and five crew members, all of whom were safely evacuated. Authorities confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were recorded.
In a statement, the NSIB said investigators had been deployed to the scene to determine the circumstances surrounding the runway excursion. The bureau noted that its investigation would focus on identifying the factors that contributed to the incident and recommending measures to improve aviation safety and prevent similar occurrences.
Following the incident, airport authorities temporarily shut the runway to allow emergency responders to secure the area and facilitate the removal of the aircraft. The closure disrupted scheduled flight operations, with several airlines adjusting their services while recovery efforts continued.
Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines announced the temporary suspension of flights to and from Benin Airport due to the runway closure. The airlines advised affected passengers to monitor updates and contact their customer service channels for information on rescheduled flights and travel arrangements.
The NSIB said its investigation would follow international aviation safety standards and emphasized that the objective is to establish the facts surrounding the occurrence rather than assign blame. The bureau added that a preliminary report is expected within 30 days, while a comprehensive final report will be released after the investigation is completed.
The runway excursion has renewed attention on aviation safety in Nigeria, where regulators have continued to strengthen oversight and encourage airlines to maintain strict operational standards. Aviation experts note that runway excursions are among the most common incidents worldwide and can result from a combination of weather conditions, aircraft performance, runway conditions and operational factors. They caution against speculation until investigators complete their work.
News of the incident quickly spread across social media, prompting relief among passengers and aviation stakeholders after confirmation that everyone on board escaped unharmed. Many Nigerians praised the swift response of emergency personnel, while others called for the findings of the investigation to be made public and for any lessons learned to be implemented to further strengthen safety across the country’s aviation sector.
