Enugu Plane suffers runway excursion at Benin Airport

An Enugu Air Embraer 170 aircraft suffered a runway excursion after landing at Benin Airport on Thursday, with all 67 passengers and five crew members safely evacuated and no injuries or fatalities recorded. The aircraft, with registration 5N-ENR, was seen off the runway and resting in nearby vegetation in videos that surfaced shortly after the […]

An Enugu Air Embraer 170 aircraft suffered a runway excursion after landing at Benin Airport on Thursday, with all 67 passengers and five crew members safely evacuated and no injuries or fatalities recorded.

The aircraft, with registration 5N-ENR, was seen off the runway and resting in nearby vegetation in videos that surfaced shortly after the incident.

A runway excursion occurs when an aircraft accidentally or improperly exits the runway surface during takeoff or landing.

Emergency responders were quickly deployed to the scene while passengers disembarked safely from the aircraft.

In an initial statement, Enugu Air described the occurrence as a runway incursion before subsequently confirming it was a runway excursion.

The airline said the aircraft had been secured and the appropriate aviation authorities notified in accordance with established safety procedures.

“Enugu Air wishes to inform the public that one of our aircraft operating into Benin experienced a runway incursion after landing today,” the airline said.

“We confirm that all passengers and crew have safely disembarked and there were no injuries or casualties.”

The carrier said an assessment of the aircraft was underway while investigations had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Enugu Air further notified its passengers that some of its scheduled services could be disrupted.

“There may be temporary adjustments to some flight schedules,” the airline said, adding that affected passengers would be contacted directly and provided with the necessary assistance.

The airline reiterated that safety remains its highest priority and pledged to keep the public informed as more details emerge.