Nigeria Aviation Authority Suspends Dana Air Following Minister's Safety Directive

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has taken decisive action by suspending Dana Air's Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) following a directive from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

This move comes amidst growing concerns over safety and financial viability stemming from recent incidents involving Dana Airlines. In a letter issued to Dana Air by Chris Najomo, the acting Director-General of NCAA, the authority cited the need for a comprehensive audit of Dana Air's operations in light of these concerns.

The decision to suspend Dana Air's AOC until further notice underscores the paramount importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens and travelers. The suspension follows a runway excursion incident involving a Dana Air aircraft at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), prompting both internal and external investigations by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and NCAA.

Najomo emphasized the need for swift measures to address safety and economic issues, with the suspension enabling thorough audits to evaluate Dana Air's compliance with safety regulations and its financial health.

This suspension marks a critical moment for Dana Air and raises broader questions about regulatory oversight and safety standards in Nigeria's aviation sector.