By Samuel Olusegun Precious
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into the Enugu Air Aircraft which veered off the runway at the Benin Airport onThursday.
NSIB said a preliminary report on the occurrence would be released within 30 days in line with regulatory requirements, while the final investigation report, including safety recommendations, would be published after the investigation is completed.
The airliners’ safety agency said there were 63 passengers and five crew members on board the aircraft at the time of the incident. All 68 occupants were safely accounted for, and no injuries were reported.
The Bureau’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe, in a statement, said the NSIB said investigators have commenced evidence gathering as part of efforts to determine the circumstances and factors that led to the runway excursion.
The Enugu Air Embraer E170 aircraft, Flight 4264 from Lagos to Benin, veered off the runway after landing at Benin Airport on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at about 3:10 p.m.
The plane, with registration 5N-ENR, overran the end of Runway 05 and ran into the surrounding bush.
One of the passengers, Benjamin Mordi, said the aircraft “didn’t touch the ground where it was supposed to land” and landed almost at the end of the runway before stopping in the bush.
Meanwhile, Enugu Air has confirmed the “runway excursion” in a statement on X. The aircraft has been secured and relevant aviation authorities notified.
The airline warned there may be temporary adjustments to some flight schedules and that affected passengers will be contacted directly.
