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The Consumer Protection Council (CPC) has called for transparent and responsive action after a Dana Air plane overshot the runway on Tuesday as it landed at the Port Harcourt Airport in Rivers State.
CPC Director-General, Mr Babatunde Irukera, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said: “An open, transparent, sensitive and responsive approach by the airline and relevant authorities is vital to sustaining confidence and assuring consumers.
“The Council welcomes this openness and attention to consumers, including providing medical or psychological support where necessary.”
The council congratulated relevant airport and aviation authorities, as well as the airline for the safe evacuation and management of what could otherwise have been tragic.
It called for calm as it awaits more information and a detailed investigation by the AIB, in compliance with ICAO standards.
It also informed the public about their communication with the airline and NCAA, adding that they are aware that Dana Air has provided logistic support and accommodation to the passengers.
In this regard, CPC noted that it must be in compliance with minimum standards in accordance with prevailing Regulations under Part 19, Nigerian Civil Aviation Rules (NCAR).
“The Consumer Protection Council, in collaboration with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, other aviation agencies and service providers remain available to all passengers in the sector to answer questions, provide assistance and required assurances at this and other times. Our hotlines are 08056003030 and 08056002020,” the statement read.
The General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Henrietta Yakubu, had also confirmed that “no casualty was recorded, as all passengers on board were safely evacuated.”
“A Dana aircraft numbered 9J0363, flying from Abuja to Port Harcourt airport has overshot the Port Harcourt runway. The incident was suspected to have been caused by a heavy rain, which was accompanied by strong wind and storm in Port Harcourt,” he had said.