Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has directed Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to suspend Dana Airline’s fleet operations over operational and safety concerns.
Keyamo said that the ministry’s attention had been drawn to recent incidents of both safety and financial viability of the airline’s operations.
“In light of these incidents and with the paramount priority being the safety and well-being of our citizens and travelers, the minister has directed that you immediately initiate the suspension of Dana Airline’s fleet until a comprehensive audit can be conducted.
Runway Skidding incident: Dana Air apologises to passengers
“This audit should encompass all aspects of safety protocols, maintenance procedures and financial health to ensure full compliance with our aviation regulations.
“The recent incidents have underscored the urgency of this matter, and it is imperative that swift and decisive action be taken to safeguard the interests of all stakeholders involved.
“I trust in your expertise and diligence in carrying out this audit thoroughly and expeditiously.
“Please keep me informed of the progress and any significant findings throughout this process,” Keyamo said.
The minister praised NCAA for its dedication to upholding the highest standards of aviation safety.
NAN reports that a Dana MD aircraft, with registration number 5N BKI had, at about 9.45 a.m. on Tuesday, veered off the runway of the local wing of Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja.
All the 83 passengers and six crew members were, however, disembarked unhurt. (
NCAA suspends Dana Airline’s AOC effective April 24
Sequel to the Minister’s directive, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has written to the management of Dana Airlines, informing it of the suspension of the airline’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC), effective April 24.
This is contained in a letter to Dana Airline, signed by the NCAA Acting Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo on Wednesday in Lagos.
Najomo said that the suspension was in accordance with Sec 31 (7) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022.
He said sequel to the runway excursion involving a Dana aircraft MD-82, with registration number 5N BKI on Tuesday, the Authority had imposed a suspension on Dana Airline’s AOC with effect from April 24 at 23:59.
Najomo, however, said that the authority was awaiting the preliminary report of the investigation launched by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
“While the NSIB is conducting the safety investigation, the NCAA has initiated an inhouse compliance assessment of this occurrence taking into account previous occurrences involving Dana Air aircraft.
“This is in a bid to establish any trend which must be nipped in the bud in the interest of the safety and well-being of our citizens and travellers.
“Furthermore, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development in sharing the concerns of the Authority has thrown his weight behind the need for swift measures to be taken to address pertinent safety and economic issues that may underpin some of these occurrences.
“As precautionary step, and in accordance with Sec 31 (7) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, the Authority has imposed a suspension on your AOC with effect from April 24 at 23.59 p.m. to allow for a thorough safety and economic audit,” he said
In the letter addressed to the management of Dana Airlines, Najomo said the safety audit will entail a re-inspection of the organisation, procedures, personnel and aircraft as specified by Part 1.3.3.3 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.
While the economic audit will critically examine the financial health of your airline to guarantee its capability to sustain safe flight operations.
