Enugu Air runway excursion at Benin Airport leaves 68 passengers unharmed

An Enugu Air Embraer E170 operating Flight 4264 from Lagos to Benin overshot the runway at Benin Airport in Edo State on Thursday, July 23 2026. The aircraft veered off the runway after landing, but all 63 passengers (reports also cite 68) and five crew members evacuated safely with no injuries or fatalities.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) immediately deployed its Go Team, began preserving evidence, interviewing crew and inspecting the aircraft, and announced a preliminary report will be issued within 30 days. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and airport officials were notified, and the runway was closed pending safety assessments. Consequently, airlines including United Nigeria Airlines, Air Peace and others suspended flights to and from Benin Airport until the runway is declared safe.

Enugu Air confirmed the incident, pledged full cooperation with investigators, and warned of possible temporary schedule adjustments. Government officials, including Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and presidential candidate Peter Obi, praised the safe evacuation and called for a thorough, transparent investigation, emphasizing that aviation safety remains non‑negotiable.