United Nigeria Airlines has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Benin Airport following the closure of the airport’s runway by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The airline announced the suspension in a statement issued on Thursday, saying flight operations would remain halted until the runway is reopened.
The development came hours after an aircraft operating into Benin Airport veered off the runway after landing, prompting FAAN to shut the runway to facilitate aircraft recovery and conduct safety assessments.
“We wish to inform our valued passengers and the general public that, due to the closure of the runway by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) as a result of an excursion, all our flights to and from Benin Airport have been cancelled pending its reopening,” the airline said.
United Nigeria Airlines apologised to passengers affected by the disruption and advised them to contact its customer service team for assistance with rebooking and other travel arrangements.
“We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may have caused. All passengers who have been affected by this development are advised to contact our customer service for further information and any assistance needed with rebooking.
“We are open to offering any needed assistance because the welfare of our passengers is our priority,” the statement added.
The airline also appealed for patience while the situation is being resolved.
“We plead for your understanding at this time and sincerely apologise again for any inconvenience this may have caused. We appreciate your patience and are immensely grateful for your trust in United Nigeria Airlines,” it said.
An aircraft excursion occurs when an aircraft departs the runway surface during take-off or landing. Such incidents typically result in temporary runway closures to allow for aircraft recovery, inspection of airport infrastructure and comprehensive safety evaluations before operations resume.
FAAN is expected to reopen the runway once recovery efforts have been completed and the necessary safety checks confirm it is safe for flight operations.
