Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to suspend Dana Airlines’s fleet operations over safety concerns.
This is contained in a memo signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, and made available on Wednesday in Lagos.
Keyamo said that the ministry’s attention had been drawn to recent incidents of both the safety and financial viability of the airline’s operations.
“In light of these incidents and with the paramount priority being the safety and well-being of our citizens and travellers, the 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.
“Please keep me informed of the progress and any significant findings throughout this process,” Keyamo said.
The minister praised the NCAA for its dedication to upholding the highest standards of aviation safety.
A Dana MD aircraft, with registration number 5N BKI had, at about 9.45 a.m. on Tuesday, veered off the runway of the local wing of Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja.
All the 83 passengers and six crew members were, however, disembarked unhurt.
On Wednesday, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) notified the public and all stakeholders that runway 18L/36R has been reopened for flight operations at about 8.00 p.m.
This was made known in a statement signed by Mrs Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, FAAN on Tuesday in Lagos.
Orah said the development followed the earlier closure of the runway on Tuesday morning due to an incident involving a Dana Air aircraft, with registration number 5N-BKI, which overshot the runway during its landing sequence.
She said prompt actions were taken by FAAN’s emergency response team to evacuate and recover the Dana Air aircraft from the site.
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