Benin City, Edo State – An Enugu Air aircraft veered off the runway at Benin Airport on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in a runway excursion incident that prompted swift emergency response but resulted in no casualties or injuries.
The Embraer E170 aircraft, with registration 5N-ENR (or 5NENR), was operating on the Enugu–Benin–Lagos route. It landed at approximately 13:57 UTC with 67 passengers and five crew members on board. According to multiple reports, the aircraft overshot the runway and came to a stop in nearby vegetation or bush after skidding.
Emergency teams from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) responded immediately, safely evacuating all occupants. Enugu Air confirmed in a statement that all passengers and crew disembarked without injuries and were transported to the terminal. The airline thanked passengers for their cooperation and reiterated that safety remains its top priority.
A separate but related incident occurred later the same evening at Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu. Another Enugu Air flight arriving from Lagos (registration 5N-BZN) experienced a nose wheel fault upon landing around 19:10. The aircraft halted on the runway, and all passengers were safely evacuated within minutes using apron buses, with no injuries reported.
No official cause has been released for either incident. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) is expected to launch a formal probe into both events to determine contributing factors. FAAN has assured travelers of enhanced safety measures at its airports nationwide.
Enugu Air, owned and operated by the Enugu State Government, is a relatively new entrant in Nigeria’s domestic aviation sector. Thursday’s back-to-back incidents come as the airline continues to expand operations.
Passengers affected by the Benin flight may experience minor schedule disruptions as the aircraft is secured for assessment. Authorities have urged calm, noting the successful emergency response in both cases prevented what could have been more serious outcomes.
More details are expected as investigations progress. This story is developing.
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