NSIB Begins Investigation After Enugu Air Aircraft Skids Off Runway at Benin Airport

• The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation after an Enugu Air aircraft carrying 63 passengers and five crew members overran the runway while landing at Benin Airport on Thursday.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into the runway excursion involving an Enugu Air aircraft that veered off the runway while landing at Benin Airport in Edo State.

The incident involved an Embraer E170 aircraft operating as Flight 4264, with registration 5N-ENR, from Lagos to Benin.

According to a statement issued by the NSIB on Thursday, the aircraft overran the end of Runway 05 during landing at approximately 3:10 p.m. local time.

The bureau confirmed that there were 63 passengers and five crew members on board at the time of the incident and that everyone was safely evacuated without injuries.

“The aircraft, operating as Flight 4264 (registration 5N-ENR) from Lagos (LOS) to Benin (BNI), was involved in a runway excursion after overrunning the end of Runway 05 during landing at approximately 1510 hours local time (1410 UTC) on Thursday, 23 July 2026.

“There were 63 passengers and five crew members on board. All passengers and crew have been accounted for, and no injuries have been reported,” the statement said.

The NSIB disclosed that its Go Team was deployed to the accident scene within minutes of receiving notification of the occurrence.

Investigators have since begun gathering and preserving evidence while conducting interviews with the flight crew and other relevant personnel.

The investigation will also include an examination of the aircraft, assessment of runway conditions, and review of operational and technical data to determine the circumstances and possible causes of the runway excursion.

The bureau confirmed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other relevant airport authorities had been notified, while the aircraft has been secured pending the outcome of the investigation.

Commenting on the incident, the Director-General of the NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., expressed relief that no lives were lost but stressed that every runway excursion is treated as a serious aviation occurrence.

“We are relieved that all passengers and crew members are safe and that no injuries were reported. While this is reassuring, every runway excursion is a serious occurrence that deserves a thorough and independent investigation,” he said.

He added that the bureau’s rapid deployment demonstrated the preparedness of its investigators and urged members of the public to avoid speculation while the investigation is ongoing.

According to the NSIB, a preliminary investigation report will be released within 30 days, in line with aviation regulations, while a comprehensive final report containing safety recommendations will be published after the investigation is completed.

The bureau also urged all aviation stakeholders to cooperate fully with investigators and continue prioritising safety across the industry.

The investigation follows Thursday’s incident in which an Enugu Air aircraft veered off the runway shortly after landing at Benin Airport.

Enugu Air had earlier confirmed that all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated without injuries, describing the occurrence as a runway excursion involving one of its Embraer regional jets.

The airline also disclosed that the incident could lead to temporary disruptions to its flight operations.

“As a result, there may be temporary adjustments to some flight schedules. Passengers affected by any changes will be contacted directly and provided with the necessary assistance,” the airline said.