The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Dana Air

  • We may go after Dana Air assets to refund passengers, travel agents, says Keyamo 

    We may go after Dana Air assets to refund passengers, travel agents, says Keyamo 

    • …9,529 passengers refunded, compensated in nine months – NCAA 

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has disclosed that the federal government may go after the assets of Dana Air to refund trapped funds of passengers and airline travel agents.

    The Minister said he would direct the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to probe why funds trapped by the airline are yet to be refunded.

    Speaking on why the Authority suspended the airline’s operations, the minister revealed that the suspension was a choice between safety and disaster. 

    Keyamo disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday at the fourth quarter stakeholder engagement to enhance governance for effective service delivery in aviation with the theme: “Leveraging public feedback to drive excellence in aviation services.”

    The NCAA last year suspended flight operations of Dana Air due to the runway excursion involving one of Dana Air’s MD-82 aircraft with registration marks 5N-BKI at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

    The director general of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, in a letter to the airline, noted that the suspension was imperative as it would enable safety and economic audit.

    The suspension on the airline’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC) took effect from 24th April, 2024 at 23:59.

    On actions to be taken to recover the trapped funds, Keyamo said, “For Dana, the problem is that it was a choice between safety and disaster. So we didn’t take the commercial thing as a priority. The priority was safety, and we all looked at the damning reports that we had met on the table.

    “The NCAA decided to suspend them, but I pushed them to say, look, these are the reports we are seeing on the table about safety record, about lack of standards that put the lives of Nigerians at risk. If they continue flying, I don’t know whether most of us will be here. Many of us would have been victims of one of those flights. God forbid. 

    “I have asked Najomo to dig deep to find out how those apssnegers and agents will be refunded. He has to dig deep on that.

    “One solution will also be that if that same individual or those entities are trying to come back to aviation under any guise, whether to go and register a new AOC or use any business within the aviation sector, they have to go and settle their debts first. 

    “We should look at their assets. There are assets that are still available. Let them sell their assets. Let’s cannibalise their revenue and pay people. Let’s find a way to go after their assets and get money to pay Nigerians who are owed. 

    “NCAA should do that because they can’t get away with it.”

    The Director-General of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo also disclosed that over 9,000 passengers have received compensation and refunds between January and September this year.

    Najomo, who was represented by the Director of Aviation Security Regulations, Dr. Ben Omogo, said, “9,529 passengers received refunds or compensation from January-September 2005, with additional claims still under review and being processed according to regulatory timelines.

    “11 enforcement actions and 9 sanctions were issued for consumer protection violations and 515 economic authorisations were processed, including Permit for Non-Commercial Flight

    (PNCF), Air Travel Organisers’ Licence (ATOL), travel agents, allied services, and aviation training institutes.”

    He added that 80 per cent of passenger complaints were resolved on the spot, with baggage and refund issues handled within regulatory timelines.

  • DANA Air wraps up plans for capital injection, new airplanes

    DANA Air wraps up plans for capital injection, new airplanes

    Despite on- going technical and safety audit on its airline, DANA Air, has hinted of plans  to seek robust  investment for its operations as it concludes negotiations with partners for the  injection of new airplanes into its fleet.

    Chief Executive Officer  of Dana Air, Jacky Hathiramani disclosed this at the weekend in Abuja at  a crucial meeting with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development,  Festus Keyamo.

    According to him, Dana Air is scaling up  efforts to expand its operations, as it is currently in talks with a new investor who is also very eager to infuse fresh ideas, a different fleet of state-of-the-art aircraft types with possibilities of  new hires signaling a promising future for the airline and the industry as a whole.

    Speaking in an interview, the DANA Air boss said it is wrapping up plans to consolidate  its vision for growth, innovation and excellence.

    Read Also: DANA Air workers seek payment of entitlements

    He said:” Dana Air is eagerly anticipating the arrival of brand new aircraft, which will not only enhance its operational efficiency but also elevate the overall passenger experience.

     “These modern fleet of aircraft are set to redefine air travel standards, passengers comfort and safety and reinforce Dana Air’s position as a preferred choice for travelers across Nigeria. We are thrilled about the exciting developments on the horizon for us at Dana Air and With the support and commitment of our new investor who is likely to have a major stake, we are poised for a remarkable comeback that will exceed expectations and set new benchmarks in the aviation industry.”

    The Dana Air boss expressed sincere apologies to the airline’s loyal customers and valued partners for the temporary absence from the market and any inconveniences that may have been experienced.

    He , however , reassured  passengers  of Dana Air’s unwavering commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and customer-centric services upon return soon.”

  • DANA Air workers seek payment of entitlements

    DANA Air workers seek payment of entitlements

    Staffs of Dana Air recently laid off by the airline management yesterday staged a protest over the non payment of their two months’ salaries (April and May) and contributory pensions dating back to 10 years, which they alleged has not been remitted into their pension fund.

    The staffs were sacked after the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) grounded the airline’s operations due to an incident involving one of its aircraft.

    The protest, which held at the airline’s headquarters in Lagos, led to the blockage of the entrance of the company at Oshodi-Isolo expressway. The protesting staffs claim that they received a “no service required” letter via WhatsApp without any further communication on how and when their salaries and benefits would be paid.

    Read Also: DANA Air workers seek payment of entitlements

    Carrying placards with various inscriptions, one of aggrieved workers said: “We had an incursion on April and we had already wrapped up and so, we are supposed to be paid and we are not paid. We are only here because we need our money, April salary, our one month in lieu of notice then our entitlements and for someone who has worked for 15 years, I need to be settled”.

    An affected employee, Magdalene Onyukwu, spoke about their plight, urging the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo and the Acting Director General of the NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, to intervene and provide justice.

    “We are disgruntled staff and we are asking, if you are asking me to go, it means you are ready to pay me my benefits, they have to pay us our benefits, our gratuity, our pension, all they have collected over the years, put these together and give it to us,” Onyukwu said.

  • DANA Air workers seek payment of entitlements

    DANA Air workers seek payment of entitlements

    Dana Air staff recently laid off by the airline management on Tuesday, May 21, staged a protest at the carrier’s headquarters in Lagos, seeking the non-payment of their two months’ salaries and contributory pensions.

    The staff, who were sacked after the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) grounded the airline’s operations due to an incident involving one of its aircraft, demanded immediate payment of their April, May, and pension contributions.

    The former employees, who blocked the entrance of the company at Oshodi-Isolo expressway, claimed that they received a “no service required” letter via WhatsApp without any further communication on how and when their salaries and benefits would be paid.

    The ex-staff members alleged that their contributory pension, which was deducted from their salaries over the past 10 years, has not been remitted.

    The placard-carrying staff with different inscriptions claims that the management deducted a certain amount from their salaries each month as contributory pensions.

    One of the aggrieved workers said: “We had an incursion in April and we had already wrapped up and so, we are supposed to be paid and we are not paid. We are only here because we need our money, April salary, and one month instead of notice than our entitlements, and for something who has worked for 15 years, I need to be settled”.

    Read Also: DANA Air disengages staff over NCAA’s audit

    One of the former employees, Magdalene Onyukwu, spoke about their plight, urging the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Acting Director General of the NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, to intervene and provide justice.

    “We are disgruntled staff and we are asking, if you are asking me to go, it means you are ready to pay me my benefits, they have to pay us our benefits, and our gratuity, our pension, and all they have collected over the years put these together and give it to us.”

    The staff called on the authorities to take immediate action to resolve their outstanding salaries and pension contributions, which they claim have been unfairly delayed.

  • Uncertainty over NCAA’s audit : DANA Air temporarily disengages staff

    Uncertainty over NCAA’s audit : DANA Air temporarily disengages staff

    DANA Air has temporarily disengaged its workers as it faces ongoing technical, safety and economic audit undertaken by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

    The move to ask the workers to go home, it was learnt, may have been orchestrated over uncertainty by the airline owners on the outcome of the current audit by the apex civil aviation regulator-  NCAA and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

    The NCAA suspended the Air Transport License (ATL) and Air Operators’ Certificate (AOC), of the airline last month after one of its aircraft experienced runway excursion at the Lagos Airport.

    Before the suspension of both its ATL and AOC, the NCAA had grounded all aircrafts on the fleet of the airline to allow for a comprehensive audit into its operations.

    Read Also: I made a mistake with Fubara, Wike slams Governor’s camp

    Confirming the disengagement of its workers yesterday, DANA Air Head , Corporate Communications, Mr Kingsley Ezenwa, clarified that some workers needed for the ongoing audit were recalled to assist with the exercise.

    He said the carrier deemed it fit to offer clarifications as it is engaging the workers and their unions on the state of affairs in the organisation.

    “We wish to provide update on the on -going operational audit initiated by the regulatory authorities.”

  • DANA Air disengages staff over NCAA’s audit

    DANA Air disengages staff over NCAA’s audit

    DANA Air has temporarily disengaged its workers over ongoing technical, safety and economic audit by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

    The move to ask the workers to go home , it was learnt, may have been orchestrated over uncertainty by the airline owners on the outcome of the current audit by the apex civil aviation regulator-  NCAA and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

    The NCAA suspended the Air Transport License (ATL) and Air Operators’Certificate (AOC) of the airline last month after one of its aircraft experienced runway excursion at the Lagos Airport.

    Before the suspension of both its ATL and AOC, the NCAA had grounded all aircraft on the fleet of the airline to allow for a comprehensive audit into it’s operations.

    Confirming the disengagement of its workers on Saturday, DANA Air Head , Corporate Communications, Mr Kingsley Ezenwa, clarified that some workers needed for the ongoing audit were recalled to assist with the exercise.

    He said the carrier deemed it fit to offer clarifications as it is engaging the workers and their unions on the state of affairs in the organisation.

    Ezenwa said :” We wish to provide update on the on -going operational audit initiated by the regulatory authorities. 

    “The audit  is a collaborative effort between Dana Air and the authorities to ensure compliance with all necessary standards and regulations.

     “Dana Air reaffirms its commitment to full cooperation with the authorities to facilitate a smooth and expedited resolution of the audit process. In light of the ongoing audit, Dana Air has made the decision to temporarily disengage some staff members pending the conclusion of the audit. 

    “This decision has been made to ensure efficient management of resources and to facilitate a thorough review of operational procedures.

    Read Also: Why I came hard on Dana Air, by Keyamo

    “The Management of Dana Air extends its sincere appreciation to all staff members for their resilience and dedication during this period of uncertainty. It recognizes the difficulties that staff have had to endure and assures them that every effort is being made to resolve the situation promptly. 

    “Dana Air remains committed to providing updates and support to its staff throughout this process.”

    While navigating current challenges, Ezenwa said the airline has  commenced talks with lessors and are currently engaging stakeholders on the progress made so far.

  • We are processing refunds for affected flights for next one month – Dana Air

    We are processing refunds for affected flights for next one month – Dana Air

    The management of Dana Air said it has commenced a refund process for affected flights over the next one month.

    The refund is due to the suspension of the airline by the Federal Government.

    The Federal Government suspended its operations following the runway excursion of one of its aircraft which departed Abuja for Lagos with 83 passengers and six crew members. 

    The airline, according to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), would undergo safety and financial audit during the period of suspension.

    Dana Air while reacting to the suspension on Thursday in a notice on its official X account @DanaAir apologised to passengers for any disruption to their travel plans. 

    The notice reads: “Dear Esteemed Guests, We regret to inform you that our operations have been temporarily suspended by the Authorities for us to undergo a Safety and Financial audit. 

    “We understand the inconvenience and disappointment this may cause our valued passengers, and we are deeply sorry for any disruption to your travel plans. 

    “Please be rest assured that we are fully cooperating with the Authorities and we are committed to working closely with them to address any concerns and resolve this matter as swiftly as possible.

    Read Also: Why Fed Govt suspended DANA Air operations

    “The safety and well-being of our passengers remain our top priority, and we are taking all necessary measures to ensure a safe and seamless travel experience upon return shortly.”

    On the refund, it stated: “In light of the suspension, we understand that you may have concerns regarding your bookings and travel plans.

    “We would like to assure you that we are processing refunds for affected flights over the next one month. 

    “To expedite this process, we kindly request that passengers send their booking details (PNR) and Bank Account numbers to contact @flydanaair.com. 

    “Our dedicated customer service team, as well as our social media team, will be available to provide necessary updates and assistance to all our esteemed guests. 

    “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding during this challenging time. Rest assured, we are committed to resolving this situation and resuming normal operations as soon as possible.

    “Thank you for your continued support and loyalty to Dana Air. We look forward to welcoming you onboard again in the near future.”

  • Why Fed Govt suspended DANA Air operations

    Why Fed Govt suspended DANA Air operations

    The Federal Government yesterday listed the urgency of a comprehensive safety,  technical and financial health audit as part of the reasons it ordered the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to suspend the flight operations of DANA Air .

    The suspension of the airline, it was learnt came  on the heels of Tuesday’s runway excursion of one the airline’s MD 82 aircraft with 83 passengers and six crew members which veered off the runway into grassy areas of the Lagos Airport Runway.

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo in a letter to NCAA directed the regulator to immediately suspend the operations of the airline because of recent incidents involving DANA Air , which he said have raised serious concerns regarding both the safety and financial viability of their operations.

    In a letter signed on his behalf by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, Keyamo said : “As the supervisor overseeing our nation’s aviation safety and regulatory compliance, it has come to the minister’s attention that recent incidents involving the 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, you are directed to immediately initiate the suspension of Dana Air’s fleet until a comprehensive audit can be conducted.”

    The audit, Keyamo said should encompass all aspects of safety protocols, maintenance procedures, and financial health to ensure full compliance with all aviation regulations.

    He went on: “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.”

    Tuesday’s incident involving DANA Air aircraft led to the closure of the runway at the Lagos Airport.

    Read Also: UPDATED: NCAA suspends Dana Air operations indefinitely

    Though the NCAA and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (ÑSIB) are currently probing the incident, the government’s suspension of the airline, has , however sparked reactions among industry players.

    Many industry players observed that the Ministry of Aviation should have allowed NCAA and NSIB to complete their assignment before slamming the carrier.

    DANA Air, had on Tuesday already grounded the aircraft to enable its maintenance team carry out full investigations.

    Speaking on the matter, safety advocate and Chief Executive Officer of Centurion Security Limited, Group Captain John Ojikutu (rtd) warned that the minister is climbing the aviation tree beyond its top leaves.

    “Let those who are close to him tell him that he has no such powers and the international aviation community particularly ICAO is watching us and in particular the NCAA.

    “I said it earlier that he has taken over not only as the Minister but more as the CEO of all the agencies. The reports of the responsible agencies are yet to be out and he has already found the airline negligent. How? He has made both the NCAA and NISB irrelevant. This is another institutional corruption brewing out from the aviation industry.”

    The NSIB on Tuesday, as part of its preliminary findings noted that the aircraft had a technical problem.

    It observed that the technical problem affected the  landing gear, which experienced directional control problems after touching down  which made it veer off the runway to the left and travel onto the grassy area near the Runway 18L link 6 turn-off point.

    The NSIB in a statement said: “We have commenced an investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the runway excursion event involving Dana Airline MD-82 aircraft with registration marking 5N-BKI.

    “A go-team has been dispatched to the incident scene and has begun inquiries. We will leave no stone unturned in examining all aspects surrounding the incident.

    “The investigation team has retrieved the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder, which will be taken to our lab for data download.

    “The transcript from Air Traffic Control and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria will also be included for forensic analysis and further investigation.

    “The NSIB team has also measured the aircraft’s veering point from the runway to its final stop on the grass. Crew members have been interviewed and undergone toxicology tests. As of today, all stakeholders involved in the operation of this aircraft, including the manufacturer, are being notified for their comments to be included in our report.

    “The NSIB’s investigation of this incident will examine all aspects, including the airworthiness status of the aircraft, operational policies, human factors, weather condition, health and mental status of the crew, aircraft maintenance records, and any previous incidents involving this aircraft’s landing gear system.

    “In accordance with international aviation safety protocols, a preliminary report containing a summary of basic fact-finding about the incident will be released within 30 days.

    “A final report with safety recommendations will be issued at the conclusion of the investigation.”

    On July 19, 2022 a Boeing 737 aircraft in the fleet of DANA Air had an emergency landing at the Abuja Airport.

    The airline said the aircraft was grounded for immediate attention for its engineers.

    The airline said the incident was due to an indication on one of its engines.

  • UPDATED: NCAA suspends Dana Air operations indefinitely

    UPDATED: NCAA suspends Dana Air operations indefinitely

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended flight operations of Dana Air.

    The suspension is due to the runway excursion involving one of Dana Air’s MD-82 aircraft with registration marks 5N-BKI at Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Tuesday.

    Eighty-three passengers and six crew members were on board during the incident.

    The Ag. Director General of NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo in a letter to the Accountable Manager, Dana Airlines Limited noted that the suspension was imperative as it would enable safety and economic audit.

    According to the authority, the suspension on the airline’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC) takes effect from 24th April 2024 at 23:59.

    The letter reads: “Subsequent to the runway excursion involving your MD-82 aircraft with registration marks 5N-BKI at Murtala Muhammed International Airport on 23rd April 2024, the Authority is 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”

    Read Also: BREAKING: FG grounds all Dana Air operations

    It continued: “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 a precautionary step, and in accordance with Sec 31 (7) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, the Authority has imposed a suspension on your Air Operator Certificate (AOC) with effect from 24™ April 2024 at 23:59 to allow for a thorough safety and economic audit.

    “The safety audit will entail a re-inspection of your organization, 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 operation”.

  • BREAKING: FG grounds all Dana Air operations

    BREAKING: FG grounds all Dana Air operations

    The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has ordered the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to suspend Dana Airlines pending an audit of its financial and health audit of the airline.

    The directive followed the incident involving a Dana Air plane at Lagos airport on April 23, which forced aviation authorities to divert flights from local to international airport.

    The Nation had reported 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 Ministry of Aviation in a letter to the Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo through the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, said recent incidents involving Dana Airline had raised “serious safety concerns.”

    In the letter with reference number PS/FMA/MA/S.121/Vol. 1/99 titled, “Immediate Suspension of Dana Airline Pending Safety and Financial Health Audit,” the Ministry said, “As the supervisor overseeing our nation’s aviation safety and regulatory compliance, it has come to the Honourable Minister’s attention that recent incidents involving DANA AIRLINE have raised serious concerns regarding both the safety and financial viability of their operations.

    Read Also: Dana Air Incident: FAAN reopens runway 18L/36R

    “In light of these incidents and with the paramount priority being the safety and well-being of our citizens and travelers, the Honourable Minister has directed that you immediately initiate the suspension of Dana Airline’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 this process.

    “Your dedication to upholding the highest standards of aviation safety is deeply appreciated and please, accept the assurances of the Honourable Minister’s best wishes.”