JUST IN: FG grounds all Dana Air operations

The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has instructed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to suspend Dana Airlines pending an audit of its financial and health audit of the airline.

The directive came on the heels of the incident involving a Dana Air plane at Lagos airport on April 23, which made aviation authorities divert flights from local to international airport.

This medium had reported that one of the airline’s craft with registration number 5N BKI skidded the runway at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Tuesday morning.

The Ministry of Aviation, in a letter to the Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, through Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, the Permanent Secretary, said recent incidents involving Dana Airline had raised “serious safety concerns.”

The letter with reference number PS/FMA/MA/S.121/Vol. 1/99 dubbed, “Immediate Suspension of Dana Airline Pending Safety and Financial Health Audit,” the Ministry said, “As the supervisor overseeing our nation’s aviation safety and regulatory compliance, it has come to the Honourable Minister’s attention that recent incidents involving DANA AIRLINE have raised serious concerns regarding both the safety and financial viability of their operations.

“In light of these incidents and with the paramount priority being the safety and well-being of our citizens and travelers, the Honourable Minister has directed that you immediately initiate the suspension of Dana Airlines’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 this process.

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