An Enugu Air aircraft carrying 63 passengers and five crew members veered off the runway after landing at Benin Airport on Thursday, triggering panic, disrupting flight operations and prompting an investigation by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau.
The Embraer E170 aircraft, operating Flight 4264 from Lagos to Benin, overran the end of Runway 05 at about 3:10 p.m. before coming to a stop in nearby bushland.
Enugu Air confirmed that all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated without injuries or casualties. The airline said the aircraft had been secured and relevant aviation authorities were notified in line with standard procedures.
A passenger, Benjamin Mordi, said the aircraft appeared to touch down unusually late, close to the end of the runway, before continuing forward until it eventually stopped.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau immediately deployed investigators to preserve evidence, interview the flight crew, examine the aircraft, inspect runway conditions and review operational records to determine the cause of the incident.
NSIB Director-General, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., described every runway excursion as a serious occurrence requiring an independent investigation, adding that a preliminary report would be released within 30 days.
The incident also disrupted airport operations, forcing Air Peace to suspend all flights to and from Benin Airport because of the temporary closure of the runway.
Both Enugu Air and Air Peace apologised to affected passengers, while aviation authorities worked to restore normal operations and continue the safety investigation.
