The Chief Executive Officer and Accountable Manager of Enugu Air, Captain Tolu Ita, has clarified that the airline’s aircraft involved in Thursday’s runway excursion at Benin Airport did not crash, insisting that the incident was neither an emergency landing nor an accident.
Ita made the clarification in a video message released on the airline’s official platforms on Friday, assuring the public that all passengers and crew members on board the flight were safe and that no injuries or fatalities were recorded.
She explained that the aircraft, which was operating a scheduled flight from Lagos to Benin, encountered hydroplaning while landing, causing it to veer off the runway during the landing roll.
“We are deeply grateful that all passengers and crew members are safe. Most importantly, there were no injuries and no casualties.
“Following a scheduled flight from Lagos to Benin, the aircraft landed and, due to hydroplaning on the runway, experienced a runway excursion during the landing roll.”
The airline chief stressed that while the occurrence was a serious aviation incident, it should not be described as a crash or an emergency landing.
“This was not a crash nor was it an emergency landing, but it was a serious incident.”
According to her, Enugu Air is working closely with the relevant aviation authorities investigating the occurrence and will continue to provide only verified information as the investigation progresses.
“As is standard practice across the global aviation industry, a full investigation is being conducted in close collaboration with the relevant aviation agencies to establish the complete facts surrounding this occurrence. We are committed to full cooperation with these agencies and will share verified updates as they become available.”
Ita reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards, saying the safety and welfare of passengers remain its foremost priority.
“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.”
She also expressed appreciation to passengers, crew members, airport workers, military personnel, emergency responders, business partners and members of the public for their support following the incident.
“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.”
The incident occurred on Thursday when an Enugu Air Embraer E170 operating Flight 4264 from Lagos overshot the end of Runway 05 while landing at Benin Airport.
Following the occurrence, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau commenced an investigation, confirming that all 63 passengers and five crew members safely evacuated the aircraft without injuries. The bureau said it would release a preliminary report within 30 days in line with aviation regulations.
The incident also led Air Peace to suspend flights to and from Benin Airport after the runway was temporarily closed to facilitate recovery operations and investigations.
