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FG Orders Suspension Of Dana Airlines Operation Over Accidents
Fred Omotara, Lagos
The Federal Government through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) by midnight of Wednesday ordered a suspension of Dana Airlines operations to allow for an audit of it’s aircrafts following repeated landing and take-off accidents experienced aboard the airlines aircrafts.
Recall that in May, 2022, A Dana Airlines aircraft nearly suffered a fatal accident when one of it’s tyres burst into flames minutes after take-off from the Port Harcourt International Airport in Rivers State. Also last Tuesday, another Dana Airlines aircraft had an emergency landing when one of it’s engines failed.
Speaking with kadecommunicationng, a staff of the NCAA who wouldn’t want his name in print explained that the repeated issues occasioned with Dana Airlines aircraft forced the regulatory agency to order for an audit of the airlines aircrafts.
According to the NCAA staff, “Calling for an operational audit of an airlines aircraft is regulatory and are done at specific times. In the case of Dana Airlines, the call for an operational audit last night was done due to the recent issues confronting the airline aircrafts either before take-off or when landing.
“After the Abuja airport incident, the NCAA thought it wise to suspend the airlines operation and carry out an operational audit before something disastrous happens.
“The Abuja airport incident is coming just two months after another incident happened in Port Harcourt airport. Dana Airlines is not the only airline operating in the Nigerian aviation industry. To ensure something disastrous doesn’t happen anytime soon, it is important that the airline aircrafts are audited.”
Confirming the suspension in a statement issued midnight of Wednesday, Dana Airlines Communication and Marketing Manager, Kingsley Ezenwa blamed the skyrocketing cost of Jet A1 at 830/litre, unavailability of forex, and inflation as contributory factors to the suspension.
“Our operations have been suspended as advised by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority ( NCAA) in order to undergo a full operational audit with effect from midnight 20th July, 2022.
“Operational audits are regulatory and airlines are obligated to suspend their operations when the NCAA calls for it and we understand the impact this suspension will have on our partners, staff, passengers and the general public but we are very confident that we would come out stronger as we have done in the past.
“We wish to assure the NCAA that we are fully ready and committed to cooperating with them in the course of this audit and to also reassure our customers and partners that we are safe, efficient and reliable.
“The recent skyrocketing cost of Jet A1 at 830/litre, unavailability of forex, inflation are also contributory factors to this decision regrettably.
“We crave the understanding and patience of our customers, travel and business partners and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience our short absence from the market might cause.
“Our customer service team will continue to operate 24/7 to assist affected customers with necessary information on refunds and our offices will be open to all our existing partners,” Dana Airlines stated