The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended Dana Air’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC), effective April 24.

This is contained in a letter to Dana Airline, signed by the NCAA Acting Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo on Wednesday in Lagos.

Najomo said that the suspension was in accordance with Sec 31 (7) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022.

He said sequel to the runway excursion involving a Dana aircraft MD-82, with registration number 5N BKI on Tuesday, the Authority had imposed a suspension on Dana Airline’s AOC with effect from April 24 at 23:59.

Najomo, however, said that the authority was awaiting the preliminary report of the investigation launched by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

“While the NSIB is conducting the safety investigation, the NCAA has initiated an inhouse compliance assessment of this occurrence taking into account previous occurrences involving Dana Air aircraft.

“This is in a bid to establish any trend which must be nipped in the bud in the interest of the safety and well-being of our citizens and travellers.

“Furthermore, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development in sharing the concerns of the Authority has thrown his weight behind the need for swift measures to be taken to address pertinent safety and economic issues that may underpin some of these occurrences.

“As precautionary step, and in accordance with Sec 31 (7) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, the Authority has imposed a suspension on your AOC with effect from April 24 at 23.59 p.m. to allow for a thorough safety and economic audit,” he said

In the letter addressed to the management of Dana Airlines, Najomo said the safety audit will entail a re-inspection of the organisation, procedures, personnel and aircraft as specified by Part 1.3.3.3 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.

While the economic audit will critically examine the financial health of your airline to guarantee its capability to sustain safe flight operations. (NAN)