Disaster Averted As Enugu Air Flight Carrying 68 Passengers Skids Off Benin Runway

• A major aviation disaster was narrowly averted after an Enugu Air aircraft carrying 68 passengers skidded off the runway during landing at Benin Airport on Thursday.

• All passengers and crew members escaped unhurt as emergency responders from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) swiftly evacuated the aircraft.

• Enugu Air has secured the aircraft and notified aviation regulators, while investigations are underway to determine the cause of the runway excursion.

• The incident occurred exactly one year after the state-backed airline commenced commercial operations under a partnership approved by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

July 23, () — A potentially catastrophic air accident was averted on Thursday after an Enugu Air aircraft carrying no fewer than 68 passengers skidded off the runway while landing at the Benin Airport, Edo State, triggering an emergency response from aviation authorities, but leaving all passengers and crew members unharmed.

reports that the aircraft, with registration number 5N-ENR, was operating a scheduled Enugu–Benin–Lagos commercial flight when it overshot the runway after touchdown and veered into nearby vegetation.

Officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) immediately activated emergency procedures, rushing to the scene and safely evacuating all passengers and crew from the aircraft.

Airport sources confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were recorded despite the frightening incident.

A source at the airport, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media, said the aircraft left the runway moments after landing.

“The aircraft overshot the runway and entered the nearby bush. FAAN immediately swung into action, and all the passengers were evacuated. No casualty was recorded”, the source said.

Enugu Air Reassures Passengers

Meanwhile, Enugu Air in an official statement posted on its verified X account, described the incident as a runway excursion.

The airline expressed gratitude to passengers for their calmness and cooperation during the evacuation, assuring the public that every passenger and crew member safely exited the aircraft without injuries.

“We sincerely thank our passengers for their patience, understanding and cooperation. We are pleased to confirm that all passengers and crew safely disembarked with no injuries reported”, the airline stated.

According to the airline, the aircraft has been secured while the relevant aviation authorities have been notified in line with established safety procedures.

It disclosed that engineers and investigators have begun assessing both the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“An assessment of the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the occurrence is currently underway”, the statement added.

The airline also warned that the incident could result in temporary adjustments to some flight schedules, assuring affected passengers that they would be contacted directly and provided with the necessary assistance. It reiterated that safety remains the cornerstone of its operations and promised to keep the public informed as investigations progress.

Background

Thursday’s incident occurred exactly one year after Enugu Air officially commenced commercial flight operations in July 2025.

The airline was established by the Enugu State Government under Governor Peter Mbah as part of efforts to expand regional air connectivity, stimulate investment and position Enugu as an aviation hub in the South-East.

To accelerate its entry into commercial operations, the state government entered into a strategic partnership with XE Jet, an existing Nigerian carrier with an Air Operator Certificate (AOC).

At the airline’s inauguration, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, explained that obtaining a fresh AOC typically takes up to two years. He said the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority approved the partnership arrangement, allowing Enugu Air to begin operations without compromising regulatory standards while completing certification requirements.

Since its launch, the carrier has operated scheduled domestic services linking Enugu with major Nigerian cities as part of the state’s broader transportation and economic development agenda.