The Consumer Protection Council (CPC) has called for transparent and responsive action after a plane belonging to Dana Air overshot the runway on Tuesday as it landed at the Port Harcourt Airport in Rivers State.
In a statement by its Director-General, Mr Babatunde Irukera, on Wednesday, the council commended the safe evacuation of all passengers and crew onboard without injury.
READ ALSO: Dana Air Plane Overshoots Runway In Port Harcourt
According to them, the cause of the incident is still unknown but under investigation.
The aircraft was damaged while the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) had been notified and already in control.
CPC, however, said: “An open, transparent, sensitive and responsive approach by the airline and relevant authorities is vital to sustaining confidence and assuring consumers.
“The Council welcomes this openness and attention to consumers, including providing medical or psychological support where necessary.”
They further congratulated relevant airport and aviation authorities, as well as the airline for the safe evacuation and management of what could otherwise have been tragic.
The Council called for calm as it awaits more information and a detailed investigation by the AIB, in compliance with ICAO standards.
They also informed the public about their communication with the airline and NCAA, adding that they are aware that Dana Air has provided logistic support and accommodation to the passengers.
In this regard, CPC noted that it must be in compliance with minimum standards in accordance with prevailing Regulations under Part 19, Nigerian Civil Aviation Rules (NCAR).
“The Consumer Protection Council, in collaboration with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, other aviation agencies and service providers remain available to all passengers in the sector to answer questions, provide assistance and required assurances at this and other times. Our hotlines are 08056003030 and 08056002020,” the statement read.
The General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Henrietta Yakubu, had also confirmed that “no casualty was recorded, as all passengers on board were safely evacuated.”
“A Dana aircraft numbered 9J0363, flying from Abuja to Port Harcourt airport has overshot the Port Harcourt runway. The incident was suspected to have been caused by a heavy rain, which was accompanied by strong wind and storm in Port Harcourt,” Yakubu had said.
