Menu Close

Why regulators suspend Dana Air operations indefinitely −NCAA

*The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority explains the decision is the outcome of a financial and economic health audit the regulators carried out, indicating that Dana Airlines could no longer meet its obligations and conduct safe flight operations in the country

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Sequel to recent emergency landing of the company’s aircraft at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, FCT, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended Dana Airlines’ Air Transport Licence (ATL) and Air Operator Certificate (AOC) indefinitely.

ConsumerConnect reports Captain Musa Nuhu, Director-General of NCAA, announced this development in a statement issued Wednesday, July 20, 2022.

Nuhu explained that the suspension of the operations of the airlines would take effect from midnight of July 20.

The NCAA Chief also stated: “The suspension was made pursuant to Section 35(2), 3(b) and (4) of the Civil Aviation Act, 2006 and Part 1.3.3.3(a)(1) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs), 2015.”

According to him, the suspension order has since been communicated to the Management of Dana Airlines.

Nuhu explained the decision was the outcome of a financial and economic health audit carried out on the airline by the Authority, and the findings of an investigation conducted on the airline’s flight operations recently, which revealed that Dana Airlines was no longer in a position to meet its financial obligations and to conduct safe flight operations.

“The NCAA acknowledges the negative effect this pre-emptive decision will have on the airline’s passengers and the travelling public and seeks their understanding, as the safety of flight operations takes priority over all other considerations,” the statement added.

In regard to the dwindling options for air travellers, the suspension of Dana Air operations is said to have added to the woes and challenges bedevilling the troubled aviation industry in Nigeria.

It is also recalled that Aero Contractors, Monday this week, announced the temporary suspension of its “scheduled passenger services operations” in the country.

The conditions of Aero’s decision, however, had nothing to do with regulatory action by the NCAA.

The aviation firm, however, explained in a statement that its decision was “due to the impact of the challenging operating environment” on the airline’s daily operations.

The suspension became effective Wednesday, July 20.

The local airline also said: “This does not in any way affect the Maintenance activities of the Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) otherwise known as AeroMRO, the Approved Training Organisation (ATO) also known as Aero Training School, the Helicopter and Charter Services operations.”

It acknowledged the inconvenience the move might cause, saying, “we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused to our esteemed customers and promise to return to service as soon as possible.”

It should be noted that a number of Nigerian airlines have battled challenges in recent times, mainly as a result of the upsurge in the price of aviation fuel, otherwiose known as Jet A-1, and other industry/operational issues.

The challenges, which had led airlines to threaten to shut down operations and interventions by the government, have remained in place leading to the latest announcement by Aero, report said.

The company’s Management as well stated that the suspension of passenger operations was a tough decision in Nigeria.

Aero Contractors noted: “This decision was carefully considered and taken due to the fact that most of our aircraft are currently undergoing Maintenance, resulting in our inability to offer a seamless and efficient service to our esteemed customers.

“We are working to bring these aircraft back to service in the next few weeks, so we can continue to offer our passengers the safe, efficient, and reliable services that Aero Contractors is known for, which is the hallmark of Aero Contractors Company of Nig. Ltd.”

Kindly Share This Story

Kindly share this story