FG Grounds Dana Airlines Following Lagos’ Averted Crash
FG Grounds Dana Airlines In Nigeria Following Lagos’ Averted Crash
Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo has announced the suspension of Dana Airline operations due to concerns surrounding the safety and financial viability of their operations.
It should be recalled that one of the airline’s craft with registration number 5N BKI skidded off the runway at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Tuesday morning
The directive followed that incident involving a Dana Air plane at Lagos airport on Tuesday April 23, which forced aviation authorities to divert flights.
FEDERAL GOVT GIVES REASONS FOR SUSPENDING DANA AIR
The Federal Government through the Ministry of Aviation has given reasons why it directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to suspend the operations of Dana Air with immediate. It said the move was to give room for a safety and financial health audit to be conducted on the airline.
The incident involving one of the aircraft in the fleet of the airline that veered off the Lagos airport runway during landing on Tuesday has been attributed to why the airline has been suspended.
A statement from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development which was signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, on behalf of the Minister, Chief Festus Keyamo stated, “As the supervisor overseeing our nation’s aviation safety and regulatory compliance, it has come to the minister’s attention that recent incidents involving Dana Airline have raised serious concerns regarding both the safety and financial viability of their operations.
“In the 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 Air’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 the process
“Your dedication to upholding the highest standards of aviation safety is deeply appreciated, and please accept the assurances of the minister’s best wishes,” the statement titled “Immediate suspension of Dana Airline pending safety and financial health audit, further explained:
The latest incident that triggered the immediate suspension of Dana Air occurred when its Md-82 aircraft that took off from Abuja with 83 passengers and six members of crew upon landing veered off Runway 18L of the local wing of the airport and skidded off into the grassy portion of the airport where it got stuck to the mud.
Although there was no casualty, the development led to the temporary closure of the runway until the aircraft was finally evacuated to give room for the resumption of flights at the busy airport.
