By John Ikani
Nigerian authorities have suspended operations of Dana Air, citing safety concerns after a recent runway incident involving one of its aircraft.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo issued a directive to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to immediately halt Dana Air’s flights.
The move prioritizes the safety of passengers and travellers, according to a statement from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
“A comprehensive audit encompassing safety protocols, maintenance procedures, and financial health is necessary,” the Ministry emphasized.
They aim to ensure Dana Air fully complies with all aviation regulations before resuming operations.
The suspension follows an incident at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, where a Dana Air aircraft veered off the runway.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) is currently investigating the incident involving flight 9J0352.
READ ALSO: Nigeria Grounds Dana Air Flights Following Runway Slip Incident
The McDonnell Douglas MD-82, with registration number 5N-BKI, carried 83 passengers and 6 crew members on its journey from Abuja to Lagos.
One too many
Nigeria has experienced several runway slip incidents, which raise concerns about aviation safety.
These incidents can be attributed to various factors, including runway contamination, adverse weather conditions, mechanical failure, and human error.
While it’s essential to investigate each incident thoroughly, the frequency of such events suggests a need for heightened attention to runway maintenance, pilot training, and overall aviation infrastructure.
