Enugu Air clarifies Benin runway incident was excursion, not crash; all safe

Enugu Air has clarified that an incident involving one of its aircraft at Benin Airport on Thursday was a runway excursion, emphasizing it was neither a crash nor an emergency landing. The airline confirmed that all passengers and crew members on board the Embraer E170 were safely evacuated without any injuries.

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We are deeply grateful that all passengers and crew members are safe. Most importantly, there were no injuries and no casualties.

Tolu Ita, the Chief Executive Officer and Accountable Manager of Enugu Air, shared the clarification in a video message on the airline's social media page Friday. The incident occurred after the aircraft, operating Flight 4264 from Lagos to Benin, experienced a runway excursion due to hydroplaning upon landing. "This was not a crash nor was it an emergency landing, but it was a serious incident," Ita stated.

Hydroplaning happens when a layer of water accumulates between the aircraft's tires and the runway surface, reducing traction and braking effectiveness. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into the incident, which also disrupted flight operations at Benin Airport. Enugu Air is cooperating fully with the aviation authorities.

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This was not a crash nor was it an emergency landing, but it was a serious incident.

"We are deeply grateful that all passengers and crew members are safe. Most importantly, there were no injuries and no casualties," Ita said, reaffirming the airline's commitment to safety and passenger welfare. She added, "Safety is, and will always remain, the foundation of who we are as an airline." The airline also expressed appreciation for the support received from passengers, crew, airport personnel, military personnel, emergency responders, partners, and the public.

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Safety is, and will always remain, the foundation of who we are as an airline.