Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation, has halted Dana Airline flights because of worries about the safety and financial stability of the airline.
The government, using the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, has halted the airline's operations in the country until a thorough review is carried out.
A statement titled 'Immediate suspension of Dana Airline pending safety and financial health audit', signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, conveyed this decision.
An airplane owned by the airline, with registration number 5N BKI, slid off the runway at Lagos' Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Tuesday morning.
The plane, which was traveling from Abuja to Lagos, skidded off the runway during landing.
No one was injured.
The statement, addressed to the Director General of NACA, demanded the suspension of the airline's fleet until after an audit is completed.
“As the overseer responsible for our nation’s aviation safety and regulatory compliance, the Honourable Minister has noticed that recent incidents involving DANA AIRLINE have raised serious concerns regarding both the safety and financial viability of their operations.
“In light of these incidents and with the top priority being the safety and well-being of our citizens and travelers, the Minister has directed that you immediately begin the suspension of Dana Airline’s fleet until a comprehensive audit can be conducted,” the statement read.
Meribole suggested that the audit should cover all aspects of safety procedures, maintenance protocols, and financial health to ensure full compliance with aviation regulations.
