Enugu Air has moved to reassure passengers and the public after one of its aircraft veered off the runway while landing at Benin Airport, insisting the incident was not a plane crash or an emergency landing.
The airline’s Chief Executive Officer and Accountable Manager, Captain Tolu Ita, said the aircraft experienced a runway excursion after hydroplaning on the wet runway during landing. She stressed that all 63 passengers and five crew members safely exited the aircraft without injuries.
According to Ita, the Embraer E170 was operating a scheduled flight from Lagos to Benin when the aircraft lost traction on the runway during its landing roll, causing it to leave the paved surface.
She dismissed reports that described the occurrence as a crash, explaining that while the event was serious and required investigation, it did not fit the definition of a plane crash or an emergency landing.
“Our greatest relief is that every passenger and crew member is safe. There were no injuries and no loss of life,” Ita said in a video released on the airline’s official social media platforms.
The airline said it is cooperating fully with Nigeria’s aviation authorities as investigators work to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the runway excursion.
Captain Ita noted that such investigations are standard aviation practice worldwide and are designed to identify contributing factors and strengthen safety measures across the industry.
She reaffirmed that passenger safety remains Enugu Air’s highest priority, adding that the airline is committed to maintaining the confidence of travellers through transparency and adherence to international aviation safety standards.
The CEO also thanked passengers, crew members, airport officials, emergency responders, security personnel and members of the public for their support following the incident.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched a formal investigation into the occurrence. The agency confirmed that everyone on board was safely accounted for and announced that a preliminary report is expected within 30 days, in line with aviation regulations.
The incident has renewed discussions about runway safety during adverse weather conditions, although aviation authorities have emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing and that conclusions should await the official findings.
