By Ghazali Ibrahim
An Enugu Air aircraft skidded off the runway after landing at Benin Airport on Thursday, with all passengers and crew safely evacuated and no injuries reported.
The airline confirmed the incident in a statement posted on its official X account, describing it as a runway excursion rather than a crash.
“Enugu Air wishes to inform the public that one of our aircraft operating into Benin experienced a runway excursion after landing today,” the airline said.
It added that all passengers and crew disembarked safely, while the aircraft has been secured and the relevant aviation authorities notified in line with standard procedures.
The airline said an assessment of the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the incident is underway.
Enugu Air also warned that the incident could lead to temporary changes to some flight schedules, noting that affected passengers would be contacted directly and assisted.
Videos circulating on social media showed the aircraft off the runway, prompting initial reports of a crash landing. However, the airline clarified that it was a runway excursion and reiterated that there were no casualties.
The aircraft involved is an Embraer regional jet recently added to Enugu Air’s fleet.
The cause of the incident remains unknown, while aviation authorities are expected to investigate.
