By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Flight operations of Dana Air have been suspended on the directive of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
This comes after an aircraft of the company conveying passengers from Abuja to Lagos skidded off the runway of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on Tuesday morning.
The Minister, in his directive to the NCAA, ordered a comprehensive audit of the airline’s safety protocols, maintenance procedures, and financial health.
Mr Keyamo disclosed in the letter titled Immediate Suspension of Dana Air Pending Safety and Financial Health Audit that the unfortunate incident underscored the urgency of the matter and the need for swift and decisive action to be taken to safeguard the interests of all stakeholders involved.
He expressed confidence in the expertise and diligence of the acting Director-General of the NCAA, Mr Chris Najomo, in carrying out this audit thoroughly and expeditiously.
“As the supervisor overseeing our nation’s aviation safety and regulatory compliance, it has come to the Minister’s attention that recent incidents involving Dana Air have raised serious concerns regarding both the safety and financial viability of their operations.
“In light of these incidents, arid with the paramount priority being the safety and well-being of our citizens and travellers, the Honourable Minister has directed that you immediately initiate the suspension of Dana Airlines’ fleet until a comprehensive audit can be conducted.
“This audit should encompass all aspects of safety protocols, maintenance procedures, and financial health to ensure full compliance with our aviation regulations,” the Minister said in the notice signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Emmanuel Meribole.