Clarification on Enugu Air Incident at Benin Airport
Tolu Ita, Chief Executive Officer and Responsible Manager of Enugu Air, has addressed the runway excursion that occurred on Thursday at Benin Airport, emphasizing that it was neither a crash nor an emergency landing. Thankfully, all passengers and crew were safely evacuated without any injuries.
Ita conveyed this message in a video posted on the airline’s official social media channels on Friday, following the incident which prompted an investigation by the Nigeria Security Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and led to operational disruptions at Benin Airport. The CEO expressed deep appreciation for the safety of those onboard, noting that there were no injuries or fatalities.
Details of the Incident
The Embraer E170 was performing scheduled flight 4264 from Lagos to Benin when it hydroplaned during landing, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway. Ita provided further context, stating, “After a scheduled flight from Lagos to Benin, the aircraft landed and experienced a runway excursion during the landing roll due to hydroplaning on the runway.” It’s important to clarify that this incident should not be categorized as an aircraft accident. While it was certainly serious, it did not constitute a crash or an emergency landing.
Hydroplaning occurs when water forms between an aircraft’s tires and the runway, diminishing traction and impairing braking capabilities during critical landing or takeoff phases. The precise factors leading to Thursday’s event, however, will be clarified through the ongoing investigation.
Cooperation with Ongoing Investigations
The airline is fully cooperating with the current inquiries led by relevant aviation authorities. Ita stated, “As is standard practice in the global aviation industry, a full investigation is being conducted in close coordination with the relevant aviation authorities to establish the complete facts regarding this incident.” Enugu Air is committed to sharing verified updates as they come to light, reiterating their dedication to safety and the welfare of their passengers.
Ita expressed gratitude to all involved, including passengers, crew members, airport staff, military personnel, emergency responders, and the general public for their support following the incident. “We understand the trust our passengers place in us every time they choose to fly with us. We will never take that trust for granted… We will not let you down,” she reaffirmed.
Background on the Incident
Reports indicate that an Enugu Air aircraft deviated from the runway upon landing at Benin Airport on Thursday. The airline confirmed the safety of all 63 passengers and five crew members aboard, with no reported injuries or fatalities. The aircraft was promptly secured, and appropriate aviation authorities have been notified as per established protocols. An assessment of the plane is currently underway, with potential temporary adjustments to scheduled flights expected in light of the incident.
Investigation and Operational Disruptions
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed relevant agencies to collaborate with Enugu Air to ascertain the cause of the runway excursion. Simultaneously, the NSIB has initiated an independent investigation, tasked with preserving evidence, examining the aircraft, assessing runway conditions, and reviewing operational and technical records. A preliminary report is anticipated within 30 days.
The incident has also led to operational disruptions at Benin Airport, prompting airlines to make necessary schedule adjustments. As previously reported by PREMIUM TIMES, Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines have temporarily suspended their flights to and from the airport to facilitate recovery operations and conduct additional safety assessments following the runway’s closure by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
