DANA Air’s Wings Nigeria’s aviation industry faced a major setback as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) suspended the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) of Dana Air following a recent runway incident at the Lagos airport. The suspension comes barely 24 hours after a Dana Air flight from Abuja veered off the runway upon landing in Lagos, with 83 passengers on board who were fortunately evacuated safely.
The incident prompted immediate action from regulatory bodies, with emergency responders swiftly intervening and initiating investigations to determine the root cause. While the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau’s probe is ongoing, the NCAA deemed it necessary to conduct a comprehensive audit of Dana Air’s operations as a precautionary measure.
In a letter addressed to the airline, Acting Director-General of the NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, cited Section 31 (7) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022 as the basis for the suspension, effective from 23:59 on April 24, 2024. The suspension aims to facilitate a thorough safety and economic audit of the airline’s operations.
The safety audit will entail a re-inspection of Dana Air’s organization, procedures, personnel, and aircraft, as mandated by Part 1.3.3.3 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations. Concurrently, the economic audit will critically examine the airline’s financial health to ensure its capability to sustain safe flight operations.
The decision to ground Dana Air’s operations has garnered support from the highest levels of the aviation sector. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, expressed displeasure over the incident and directed the NCAA to initiate the suspension of Dana Air’s fleet until a comprehensive audit could be conducted.
In a letter addressed to the NCAA, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, conveyed the Minister’s concerns regarding both the safety and financial viability of Dana Air’s operations. The letter emphasized the paramount priority of safeguarding the well-being of citizens and travellers, underscoring the urgency of the matter.
As the investigations and audits unfold, Dana Air’s operations will remain grounded, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and raising questions about the airline’s future prospects. The suspension serves as a stark reminder of the Nigerian aviation industry’s commitment to upholding the highest safety standards and ensuring the utmost protection for air travelers.
The coming days and weeks will be critical for Dana Air as it navigates the scrutiny of regulatory authorities and works to address any potential deficiencies identified during the audits. The airline’s ability to regain its operating license and restore public confidence will hinge on its demonstration of full compliance with aviation regulations and a robust financial standing.
Reference
FG suspends Dana Air licence after Lagos airport incident published in PUNCH