Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed aviation authorities to investigate the runway excursion involving an Enugu Air aircraft at Benin Airport.
Keyamo disclosed this in a post on X on Friday, July 24, saying the aircraft safely landed before veering off the runway and confirming that everyone on board escaped unharmed.
He wrote, “I have been duly informed that the incident with Enugu Air yesterday in Benin is that the aircraft skidded off the runway after landing successfully (it is called ‘runway excursion’ in aviation terminology). Everyone was safe.”
The minister added, “I have directed all the relevant agencies to work closely with Enugu Air to unravel the cause.”
The incident occurred on July 23 when an Enugu Air aircraft, registered as 5N-ENR, left the runway after landing at Benin Airport. The plane was carrying at least 68 passengers, in addition to its crew.
In a statement issued after the occurrence, Enugu Air confirmed that all passengers and crew members exited the aircraft safely without injuries or loss of life.
The airline said the aircraft had been secured and that the appropriate aviation authorities were immediately notified in accordance with established safety procedures.
READ ALSO: 68 Passengers Escape Unhurt As Enugu Air Plane Overshoots Runway In Benin
The runway excursion forced the temporary closure of Benin Airport’s runway, disrupting flight operations.
As a result, Air Peace suspended all flights to and from Benin, explaining that the runway closure made normal operations impossible.
The airline described the disruption as beyond its control and apologised to passengers affected by the cancellations.
First Daily earlier reported that United Nigeria Airlines also announced the suspension of its Benin operations until the runway is reopened.
In a statement, the airline said, “We wish to inform our valued passengers and the general public that, due to the closure of the runway by the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) as a result of an excursion, all our flights to and from Benin Airport have been cancelled pending its reopening.”
It added, “We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may have caused.”
The airline advised affected passengers to contact its customer service channels for rebooking and further assistance.
Runway excursions occur when an aircraft leaves the runway during landing or take-off. Aviation authorities typically investigate such incidents to determine the cause and recommend measures to improve safety and prevent future occurrences.