Dana Air’s Air Operators Certificate has been suspended by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. This decision was made shortly after a Dana Air plane from Abuja veered off the Lagos airport runway and into a nearby field, just 24 hours earlier. Despite having 83 passengers on board, all passengers and crew members disembarked safely. Following the incident, emergency responders and regulatory agencies promptly launched an investigation to determine its cause.
While awaiting the investigation report from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, the NCAA emphasized the need to audit the carrier’s operations. In a letter signed by Acting Director Chris Najomo, the NCAA announced the suspension of Dana Air’s AOC, effective from April 24, 2024, at 23:59. The suspension is a precautionary measure in accordance with Sec 31 (7) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, allowing for a thorough safety and economic audit.
Meanwhile, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, expressed concern over the incident in a letter addressed to the NCAA. The letter, signed by Permanent Secretary Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, highlighted serious concerns regarding the safety and financial viability of Dana operations. As a result, the Minister directed the immediate suspension of Dana Airline’s fleet until a comprehensive audit is conducted to ensure full compliance with aviation regulations.
