The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has taken decisive action by suspending the Air Operators Certificate (AOC) of Dana Air, following a recent runway incident involving one of its aircraft.
The incident occurred when a Dana Air plane, registered as 5N BKI, veered off the runway at Lagos airport shortly after arriving from Abuja. Despite the dramatic nature of the event, all 83 passengers and crew members onboard disembarked safely.
In response to the incident, emergency responders and regulatory agencies swiftly launched an investigation to ascertain the root cause. Pending the outcome of the investigation by the Nigerian Safety and Investigation Bureau, NCAA deemed it necessary to suspend Dana Air’s AOC.
In a letter signed by the Acting Director of NCAA, Chris Najomo, and referenced as NCAA/DGCA/DANA/1/24/001, the authority outlined its decision to suspend Dana Air’s AOC as a precautionary measure. This suspension, effective from April 24, 2024, at 23:59, allows for a comprehensive safety and economic audit of the airline.
The safety audit will involve a thorough examination of Dana Air’s operations, procedures, personnel, and aircraft, in accordance with civil aviation regulations. Simultaneously, an economic audit will assess the financial stability of the airline to ensure its capacity to maintain safe flight operations.
The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, represented by Minister Festus Keyamo, expressed dissatisfaction with the incident and its implications. In a letter addressed to NCAA and signed by Permanent Secretary Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, the ministry emphasized the need for a comprehensive audit encompassing safety protocols, maintenance procedures, and financial viability.
The ministry underscored the urgency of the matter, stressing the paramount importance of safeguarding the safety and well-being of citizens and travelers. It urged NCAA to swiftly and diligently conduct the audit, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations and keeping stakeholders informed of significant findings throughout the process.
