Runway Incident: Enugu Air Safety Non-negotiable, says Mbah

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has assured passengers and the flying public that safety remains the top priority of Enugu Air following Thursday’s runway incident involving one of the airline’s aircraft at Benin Airport.

The governor, in a statement personally signed on Friday, sympathised with the 63 passengers and five crew members aboard the Embraer E170 aircraft, saying he was grateful that no life was lost and no injuries had been reported.

“The Enugu State Government is aware of the runway incursion involving Enugu Air Embraer E170, Flight 4264, operating into Benin Airport from Lagos on Thursday, July 23, 2026,” Mbah said.

He added, “The government empathises with the 63 passengers and five crew members on board the aircraft over the traumatic experience and is thankful to God that no life was lost and no injuries have so far been reported.”

The governor also commended the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau for promptly commencing an investigation into the incident, pledging the state’s full cooperation with the agency and other aviation regulators.

“The government commends the swiftness of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau in embarking on the ongoing investigation to determine the circumstances and factors that may have led to the incident. The government will ensure the full cooperation of its going concern, Enugu Air, with the investigation and regulatory authorities,” he stated.

Mbah said the state-owned airline was built on a safety-first culture, stressing that operational decisions would always prioritise passenger safety above commercial interests.

“While the outcome of the investigation is awaited, the government assures the public that the operations of Enugu Air are guided by the highest safety standards. The airline is founded on a corporate culture that places safety above profit and schedule, and its quality assurance and quality control systems stipulate a safety threshold that is considerably higher than the industry benchmark,” he said.

He maintained that Enugu Air would continue to operate in line with global aviation safety standards.

“This accounts for the growing confidence and patronage the airline has continued to enjoy from both passengers and industry stakeholders. Enugu Air will therefore continue to serve its teeming customers and abide by its utmost commitment to safety, professionalism and a sense of hospitality,” the governor added.

Mbah also thanked Nigerians for the support shown to the airline since the incident, noting that many passengers had continued to share positive experiences about the carrier.

“We wish to express our profound gratitude to Nigerians for the outpouring of solidarity since the unfortunate incident. Quite uncommonly, Nigerians have continued to share their positive experiences with Enugu Air since it was launched a year ago. This matters so much to us as a government at this time,” he said.

The statement came a day after an Enugu Air aircraft was involved in a runway incursion at Benin Airport, prompting the NSIB to commence an investigation into the incident. The bureau is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the occurrence and make recommendations aimed at preventing a recurrence.