The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into a runway excursion involving an Enugu Air Embraer E170 aircraft at Benin Airport (BNI).
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 3:10 p.m. local time (1410 UTC) on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
A statement issued by the NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe, confirmed that the bureau’s officers had commenced an investigation. She said there were 63 passengers and five crew members on board.
Mrs Adebayo-Arowojobe stated that all passengers and crew members had been accounted for, and no injuries were reported.
“The NSIB’s Go Team was mobilised and on the ground at the occurrence site within minutes of notification, underscoring the Bureau’s commitment to a rapid and effective emergency response.
The team is gathering and preserving evidence, interviewing the flight crew and other relevant personnel, examining the aircraft, assessing runway conditions, and reviewing all relevant operational and technical information to determine the circumstances and contributing factors to the occurrence,” she said.
According to her, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and relevant airport authorities have been notified, and the aircraft has been secured.
Commenting on the occurrence, the Director-General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., said:
“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.
“A preliminary report will be issued within 30 days, in accordance with regulatory requirements. The final investigation report, including safety recommendations, will be published upon completion of the investigation.”
The bureau urged all stakeholders in the aviation industry to continue prioritising safety and to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.
Earlier, Enugu Air issued a public notice stating: “We confirm that all passengers and crew have safely disembarked, and there were no injuries or casualties.
“The aircraft has been secured, and the relevant aviation authorities have been notified in line with established procedures. An assessment of the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the occurrence is currently underway.
“As a result, there may be temporary adjustments to some flight schedules.
“Passengers affected by the changes will be contacted directly and provided with the necessary assistance.”
The airline assured passengers that the safety of its passengers, crew and operations remains its top priority..
The incident comes exactly one year after the airline began operations in July 2025.
The airline commenced operations after Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu state, partnered with XE Jet, an existing airline, to fast-track the process of obtaining an air operator certificate (AOC), which “typically takes up to two years”, according to Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development.
Keyamo said the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) also approved the partnership, allowing Enugu Air to commence operations without delay.
