Investigation Launched After Enugu Air Runway Excursion at Benin Airport
Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has instructed all relevant agencies to collaborate with Enugu Air to investigate the recent runway excursion that occurred at Benin Airport. This incident took place on Thursday and involved an Enugu Air Embraer E170 aircraft.
In a statement posted on social media, Keyamo confirmed that he had been briefed on the situation and provided details about the event. He specified that the aircraft experienced a skid off the runway after completing a normal landing, an event categorized as a “runway excursion” in aviation terminology. Fortunately, all individuals aboard the flight, including 63 passengers and five crew members, emerged unharmed.
Keyamo emphasized the importance of understanding what led to the incident and has mandated that aviation agencies work closely with the airline to uncover the cause. Enugu Air validated the safety of all onboard and confirmed that emergency protocols had been followed, with relevant authorities notified promptly.
The incident led to immediate repercussions for aviation operations at Benin Airport. Following the runway excursion, the Nigeria Security Investigation Bureau (NSIB) dispatched a “Go Team” to the airport to conduct a thorough investigation. This team will preserve evidence, interview flight crew members, inspect the aircraft, and evaluate runway conditions while reviewing relevant flight and technical logs. NSIB Executive Director Alex Badet Jr. underscored that all runway excursions warrant serious attention, regardless of the absence of injuries.
Investigators arrived at the scene within minutes of the incident being reported, reflecting their training and readiness for such occurrences. Badet Jr. urged the public to avoid speculation as the investigation unfolds, emphasizing the commitment to conducting a comprehensive and unbiased inquiry in line with international standards.
The NSIB plans to release a preliminary report within 30 days, in accordance with regulatory requirements. A final report detailing all findings and safety recommendations will follow once the investigation concludes. In the meantime, the runway closure has resulted in operational disruptions, leading carriers such as Air Peace and United Nigeria Airways to suspend flights in and out of the airport to facilitate recovery efforts and safety assessments.
Normally, runway closures are enacted to secure the area post-incident, allowing emergency teams to manage the situation effectively and enabling investigators to assess the scene thoroughly before resuming standard operations. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) oversees regulatory compliance, while the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) manages the reopening of the runway following necessary repairs and safety examinations.
