By Emmanuel Adeleke
Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has directed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to suspend the operations of Dana Air.
The directive followed the incident involving a Dana Air aircraft at Lagos airport on April 23, which veered off the runway.
This forced aviation authorities to divert flights from the local airport to the international terminal.
A letter addressed to the NCAA Director General, dated April 24, and signed by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Emmanuel Meribole, said the minister’s attention has been drawn to the serious concerns that followed the incident.
Meribole said the incident has raised concerns regarding both the safety and financial viability of Dana Air operations.
“In light of these incidents and 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 Airline’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,” the statement said.
