No fewer than 68 passengers and crew members escaped unhurt on Thursday after an Enugu Air aircraft overshot the runway while landing at the Benin Airport in Edo State.
The incident, which caused panic among passengers and airport officials, involved an aircraft with registration number 5N-ENR.
Although the aircraft veered off the runway and came to a stop in the surrounding bush area, there were no reported fatalities or injuries, as all those on board were safely evacuated. Blueprint reports
Aircraft veers off runway
Airport sources said the aircraft had 68 passengers on board, in addition to members of the flight crew, when the incident occurred on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
According to eyewitnesses, the aircraft overshot the runway during landing before coming to rest in the vegetation bordering the airport.
The development immediately triggered an emergency response by airport personnel, who rushed to the scene to assist passengers and crew.
Officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) reportedly coordinated the evacuation, ensuring that everyone on board safely disembarked from the aircraft.
The prompt response by emergency services helped avert what could have turned into a major aviation disaster.
Passengers evacuated safely
Sources at the airport confirmed that all passengers and crew members were accounted for shortly after the evacuation exercise.
Despite the frightening experience, no injuries were recorded, with many passengers expressing relief after being escorted to safety.
The incident temporarily drew heightened security and emergency activity around the airport as officials assessed the condition of the aircraft and secured the affected area.
Enugu Air confirms incident
Enugu Air later confirmed the occurrence in a statement posted on its official X account.
The airline reassured the public that all passengers and crew members were safe, while thanking those on board for remaining calm throughout the emergency.
The statement read:
“We sincerely thank our passengers for their patience, understanding and cooperation.
“We are pleased to confirm that all passengers and crew safely disembarked with no injuries reported.
“Safety remains our highest priority, and we will continue to provide updates through our official communication channels.”
The airline, however, did not immediately disclose the circumstances that led to the runway excursion, noting that further information would be communicated as investigations progress.
Investigation expected
Although aviation authorities are yet to issue an official preliminary report, incidents involving aircraft overrunning runways are usually subjected to detailed technical investigations.
Experts are expected to examine several factors, including weather conditions, runway surface, aircraft systems, landing speed and operational procedures to determine the exact cause of the occurrence.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) is expected to lead the investigation in line with established aviation safety protocols, while the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) may also monitor the process to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Aviation safety remains a priority
Nigeria’s aviation industry has continued to record improvements in safety standards over the years, with stakeholders maintaining that strict regulatory oversight and regular safety audits have significantly reduced serious air accidents.
Thursday’s incident, while alarming, also highlighted the effectiveness of emergency preparedness at Nigerian airports, as airport rescue personnel responded swiftly to ensure the safe evacuation of everyone on board.
The absence of casualties has been widely described as a positive outcome, even as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the runway excursion.
The incident is expected to prompt further reviews of operational procedures aimed at strengthening aviation safety and preventing similar occurrences in the future.