No injuries reported as Enugu Air aircraft skids off runway at the Benin Airport, the airline has confirmed, following an incident that occurred during landing on Thursday.
The domestic carrier disclosed the development in a statement shared on its official X account, assuring the public that the situation was quickly brought under control.
The aircraft involved, bearing registration number 5N-ENR, was carrying no fewer than 68 passengers, excluding crew members, at the time of the incident. According to the airline, the plane ran off the runway while landing at the Benin Airport.
Despite the alarming nature of the incident, Enugu Air confirmed that every passenger and crew member disembarked safely.
“With no injuries or casualties recorded,” the airline stated, emphasising that the situation was managed without harm to anyone on board.
Following the incident, Enugu Air said it moved swiftly to secure the aircraft while notifying relevant aviation authorities, in keeping with standard safety procedures. The airline further explained that investigators are currently reviewing the circumstances surrounding the occurrence.
“An assessment of the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the occurrence is currently underway,” the airline noted.
Key points from the airline’s statement include:
The aircraft has been secured pending further review
Aviation authorities have been formally notified
A full assessment of the incident is ongoing
Some flight schedules may experience temporary adjustments
As part of its response, Enugu Air warned that passengers could experience temporary changes to flight schedules while the assessment continues. The airline assured affected travellers that they would be contacted directly and given the necessary support.
Enugu Air reiterated that passenger and crew safety remains its foremost priority, promising to keep the public updated through its official communication channels as more details emerge.
Notably, this incident happened almost exactly one year after Enugu Air commenced operations in July 2025. The airline’s launch followed a partnership between Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and XE Jet, an established carrier, aimed at accelerating the process of securing an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) — a process that typically takes up to two years, according to Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
Keyamo also disclosed that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) approved the partnership, paving the way for Enugu Air to begin flight operations without the usual delays associated with new airline licensing.
While the runway skid at Benin Airport marks a significant safety scare for the young airline, the fact that no injuries or casualties were recorded offers some reassurance to passengers and stakeholders alike. As Enugu Air conducts a full assessment of the incident, attention will now turn to how the airline manages transparency, passenger communication, and long-term safety protocols going forward.
