The Chief Executive Officer and Accountable Manager of Enugu Air, Captain Tolu Ita, has clarified that the airline’s recent runway excursion at Benin Airport was neither a crash nor an emergency landing, assuring passengers that all those on board were safe.
Speaking in a video shared on the airline’s official platforms on Friday, Ita explained that the aircraft experienced a runway excursion after hydroplaning during landing, resulting in the incident that temporarily disrupted operations.
“We are deeply grateful that all passengers and crew members are safe. Most importantly, there were no injuries and no casualties,” she said.
According to Ita, the aircraft was operating a scheduled flight from Lagos to Benin when the incident occurred during the landing roll.
“Following a scheduled flight from Lagos to Benin, the aircraft landed and, due to hydroplaning on the runway, experienced a runway excursion during the landing roll,” she explained.
Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between an aircraft’s tyres and the runway surface, reducing traction and affecting control during landing or take-off.
While emphasising the seriousness of the occurrence, Ita stressed that it should not be described as a crash.
“This was not a crash nor was it an emergency landing, but it was a serious incident,” she stated.
The airline chief disclosed that a full investigation had commenced in collaboration with relevant aviation authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding the event.
“As is standard practice across the global aviation industry, a full investigation is being conducted in close collaboration with the relevant aviation agencies to establish the complete facts surrounding this occurrence. We are committed to full cooperation with these agencies and will share verified updates as they become available,” she said.
Reaffirming Enugu Air’s commitment to safety, Ita noted that passenger welfare remains the airline’s highest priority.
“Nothing matters to us more than safety and the well-being of those who choose to fly with us. Safety is, and will always remain, the foundation of who we are as an airline,” she added.
She also expressed appreciation to passengers, crew members, airport officials, military personnel, emergency responders and members of the public for their support following the incident.
“We understand the trust that passengers place in us every time they choose to fly with us, and we will never take that trust for granted. We will not let you down,” she said.
The incident occurred on Thursday when an Enugu Air Embraer E170 aircraft operating Flight 4264 from Lagos overran the end of Runway 05 while landing at Benin Airport.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has since launched an investigation into the occurrence, confirming that all 63 passengers and five crew members were safely accounted for and that no injuries were recorded.
The bureau said a preliminary report would be released within 30 days in line with aviation regulations.
The runway excursion also prompted Air Peace to temporarily suspend flights to and from Benin Airport following the temporary closure of the runway.
