Aviation Minister Orders Probe Into Enugu Air Runway Excursion

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has ordered a full investigation into the runway excursion involving an Enugu Air aircraft at Benin Airport.

The Minister says he has been duly briefed that the aircraft skidded off the runway after landing successfully, an occurrence known in aviation as a runway excursion. He confirmed that all passengers and crew on board are safe, with no injuries reported.

Keyamo adds that he has directed all relevant aviation agencies to immediately commence a thorough probe into the incident.

This comes as the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has already initiated an investigation into the occurrence involving the Embraer E170 aircraft, which operated from Lagos to Benin.

According to the Bureau, the aircraft overran the end of Runway 05 shortly after touchdown on Thursday afternoon. Sixty-three passengers and five crew members were on board, all accounted for.

The NSIB says its Go Team arrived the scene within minutes and is currently gathering evidence, examining the aircraft, and reviewing operational and technical data to determine the cause.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has also been notified, while the aircraft has since been secured.

Authorities are urging the public to avoid speculation as investigations continue, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days.