Enugu Air Runway Excursion at Benin Airport: All Passengers Safe, Investigation Underway.
CEO Clarifies Incident as Hydroplaning, Not Crash, Amid Swift Safety Response.
BENIN CITY, EDO STATE – The iNews Times | An Enugu Air https://enuguairlines.com aircraft experienced a runway excursion at Benin Airport on Thursday, triggering temporary closure of the facility and renewed scrutiny on aviation safety protocols in Nigeria’s regional airports.
The airline’s Chief Executive Officer and Accountable Manager, Captain Tolu Ita, moved quickly to reassure the flying public, confirming that the Embraer E170 operating Flight 4264 from Lagos to Benin overran the runway after hydroplaning during landing. All 63 passengers and five crew members disembarked safely with no injuries or fatalities recorded.
In this report, we examine the key developments, reactions from stakeholders, and the broader implications for Nigeria’s evolving aviation sector.
Background of the Story
Enugu Air, the state-owned carrier launched in 2025 by Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah, represents a bold initiative to boost connectivity, tourism, and economic activity in Nigeria’s Southeast. As one of the newer entrants in the country’s competitive domestic aviation market following models like Ibom Air, the airline has positioned itself as a symbol of regional pride and reliable service.
The Benin Airport incident comes at a time when Nigeria continues to strengthen its aviation infrastructure, though challenges such as runway conditions during heavy rains remain a recurring concern at several domestic terminals.
Key Developments
According to Captain Ita, the aircraft landed normally but hydroplaned on the wet runway, resulting in a runway excursion during the landing roll. She emphasized that the event was neither a crash nor an emergency landing but a serious incident handled professionally by the crew.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched a full investigation in collaboration with other aviation authorities. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, in line with standard regulatory requirements. The aircraft has been secured, and operations at the airport were briefly disrupted, prompting Air Peace to suspend flights to and from Benin.
Reactions from Stakeholders
Captain Tolu Ita expressed gratitude for the safe outcome in a video statement shared on the airline’s official platforms. “We are deeply grateful that all passengers and crew members are safe. Most importantly, there were no injuries and no casualties,” she said.
She added, “Nothing matters to us more than safety and the well-being of those who choose to fly with us. Safety is, and will always remain, the foundation of who we are as an airline.”
Ita also thanked passengers, crew, airport personnel, emergency responders, and the public for their support, reaffirming the airline’s commitment: “We understand the trust that passengers place in us every time they choose to fly with us, and we will never take that trust for granted… We will not let you down.”
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has directed a thorough probe, while former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi publicly commended the pilot and emergency teams for their swift and effective response.
Implications
This Enugu Air runway excursion underscores the critical importance of runway maintenance and weather-related protocols at secondary airports like Benin. While the zero-casualty outcome highlights effective crew training and emergency preparedness, it also raises questions about infrastructure resilience during Nigeria’s rainy season.
For a young airline like Enugu Air, the incident tests public confidence but also provides an opportunity to demonstrate transparency and commitment to global safety standards. Economically, any prolonged disruption could affect regional air travel and the airline’s growth momentum in the Southeast.
What Happens Next
Enugu Air has pledged full cooperation with investigators and promised regular verified updates. Passengers affected by schedule adjustments are being contacted directly. The NSIB’s findings will likely inform recommendations for airport authorities nationwide.
Industry watchers expect heightened focus on runway friction testing and drainage improvements at Benin and similar facilities.
Conclusion
As Nigeria’s aviation sector expands with new players like Enugu Air, incidents such as the Benin runway excursion serve as important reminders that safety must remain paramount. The iNews Times will continue to monitor developments closely, providing readers with timely, accurate updates on this and other stories shaping the nation’s skies. The safe resolution offers relief, yet it also calls for sustained investment in infrastructure to safeguard the future of air travel across Nigeria.
