Ministry of Aviation orders immediate suspension of Dana Air operations

 

The Ministry of Aviation has directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to suspend the operations of Dana Air with immediate effect to give room for a safety and financial health audit to be conducted on the airline.

The incident involving one of the aircraft in the fleet of the airline that veered off the Lagos airport runway during landing on Tuesday has been attributed to why the airline has been suspended.

According to a statement emanating from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and signed by the permanent secretary, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, for the minister titled “Immediate suspension of Dana Airline pending safety and financial health audit, it was declared: “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 Airline have raised serious concerns regarding both the safety and financial viability of their operations.

“In the light of these incidents and with the paramount priority being the safety and well-being of our citizens and travellers, the minister has directed that you immediately initiate the suspension of Dana Air’s 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 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 the process

“Your dedication to upholding the highest standards of aviation safety is deeply appreciated, and please accept the assurances of the minister’s best wishes.”

The latest incident that triggered the immediate suspension of Dana Air occurred when its Md-82 aircraft that took off from Abuja with 83 passengers and six crew members on landing at the Runway 18L of the local wing of the airport skidded off into the grassy portion of the airport and thus got stuck.

“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 the process

“Your dedication to upholding the highest standards of aviation safety is deeply appreciated, and please accept the assurances of the minister’s best wishes.”

The latest incident that triggered the immediate suspension of Dana Air occurred when its Md-82 aircraft that took off from Abuja with 83 passengers and six crew members on landing at the Runway 18L of the local wing of the airport skidded off into the grassy portion of the airport and thus got stuck.