The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into the runway excursion involving an Enugu Air aircraft at Benin Airport, Edo State, on Thursday.
The bureau disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, saying the affected aircraft, an Embraer E170 operating as Flight 4264 with registration 5N-ENR, departed Lagos for Benin before overrunning the end of Runway 05 while landing at about 3:10 p.m. local time.
According to the NSIB, the aircraft was carrying 63 passengers and five crew members, all of whom were 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 bureau stated.
The agency said it immediately deployed its Go Team to the accident site after receiving notification of the incident. Investigators have since begun collecting and preserving evidence, while interviewing the flight crew and other relevant personnel.
It added that the investigation would also include a detailed examination of the aircraft, an assessment of the runway conditions, and a review of operational and technical records to determine the circumstances and possible contributing factors to the incident.
The bureau said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and other relevant airport authorities had been informed, while the aircraft had been secured pending the outcome of the investigation.
Commenting on the development, the Director-General of the NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., expressed relief that the incident did not result in casualties.
“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.
“Our Go Team was on the ground within minutes of notification, and that speed of response reflects the readiness and professionalism of our investigators. We urge the public to refrain from speculation as our investigators carry out their work in accordance with international standards,” Badeh said.
The NSIB said it would release a preliminary report within 30 days in line with regulatory requirements, while a comprehensive final report containing safety findings and recommendations would be published after the investigation is concluded.
The bureau also urged airlines, airport operators and other stakeholders in the aviation sector to continue prioritising safety and cooperate fully with investigators throughout the exercise.
The investigation follows Thursday’s runway excursion involving one of Enugu Air’s Embraer regional jets after landing at Benin Airport. The airline had earlier confirmed that all passengers and crew members disembarked safely without injuries after the incident.
Enugu Air also said the occurrence had been reported to the relevant aviation authorities and warned that the incident could lead to temporary adjustments to some of its flight schedules.
“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.
