An aircraft operated by Enugu Air veered off the runway after landing at Benin Airport yesterday, prompting an immediate emergency response at the facility.

In a statement, the airline confirmed that all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated, with no injuries or fatalities recorded.

“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.

The incident temporarily disrupted flight operations at the airport as emergency responders secured the aircraft and aviation officials began assessing the situation.

Enugu Air said the runway excursion may result in temporary adjustments to some flight schedules, adding that affected passengers would be contacted directly and provided with the necessary assistance.

The airline assured the public that the safety of its passengers, crew and operations remains its highest priority, noting that it is cooperating fully with the relevant aviation authorities as investigations into the incident continue.

Enugu Air also thanked passengers for their understanding and said further updates would be provided through its official communication channels.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has said it will investigate the runway excursion involving the Embraer E170 aircraft at Benin Airport.

The NSIB said the aircraft, operating as Flight 4264 (registration 5N-ENR) from Lagos (LOS) to Benin (BNI), became involved in the runway excursion after overrunning the end of Runway 05 during landing.

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 of 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.”

It said, however, that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and relevant airport authorities have been notified, and the aircraft has been secured.