Enugu Air plane veers off runway after landing at Benin Airport

AN AIRCRAFT operated by Enugu Air veered off the runway after touching down at Benin Airport on Thursday, prompting an emergency response, although all passengers and crew escaped unharmed.

The incident, which aviation experts describe as a runway excursion, involved one of the state-owned carrier’s Embraer regional jets. The airline said the aircraft was secured after the occurrence and no injuries or fatalities were recorded.

In a statement shared on its official X account, Enugu Air confirmed the incident and said aviation regulators had been informed in accordance with standard procedures.

“Enugu Air wishes to inform the public that one of our aircraft operating into Benin experienced a runway excursion after landing today.

“We confirm that all passengers and crew have safely disembarked and there were no injuries or casualties.

“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 also warned that the incident could lead to short-term disruptions to its flight operations, noting that passengers whose travel plans are affected would be contacted directly and given the necessary support.

According to the airline, the safety of passengers, crew members and flight operations remains its top priority, adding that further information will be released through its official communication channels as investigations progress.

Enugu Air reiterated that the occurrence was a runway excursion and stressed that there were no casualties or injuries.

The exact cause of the runway excursion has not yet been established.