Indefinite Suspension: We’ll Come Back Stronger, Says Dana Air

Dana Airlines has affirmed that its Air Transport Licence (ATL) and Air Operator Certificate (AOC) have been suspended indefinitely, however, the commercial airline says it will come back from the suspension stronger. 

In a statement on Wednesday, Dana Airlines said it was suspended for an operational Audit which as advised by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), takes effect from midnight 20th July, 2022.

According to the airline operator, operational audits are regulatory and airlines are obligated to suspend their operations when the NCAA calls for it.

READ ALSO: NCAA Suspends Dana Air Operations Indefinitely

The commercial airline in its communique said it “understand the impact this suspension will have on our partners, staff, passengers and the general public but we are very confident that we would come out stronger as we have done in the past”.

Dana further assured the NCAA that it is fully ready and committed to cooperating with the aviation authority in the course of the audit.

The airline also reassured its customers and partners that they are safe, efficient and reliable.

“The recent skyrocketing cost of Jet A1 at 830/litre, unavailability of forex, inflation are also contributory factors to this decision regrettably.

“We crave the understanding and patience of our customers, travel and business partners and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience our short absence from the market might cause,” Dana Airlines entreated.

The air service provider said its customer service team will continue to operate 24/7 to assist affected customers with necessary information on refunds, adding that its offices will be open to all existing partners.

The NCAA suspended Dana Airlines operations on Wednesday with NCAA Director-General, Captain Musa Nuhu, saying in a statement that “the suspension was made pursuant to Section 35(2), 3(b) and (4) of the Civil Aviation Act, 2006 and Part 1.3.3.3(a)(1) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs), 2015.”

The NCAA chief explained that the decision was the outcome of a financial and economic health audit carried out on the airline by the Authority, and the findings of an investigation conducted on the airline’s flight operations recently, which revealed that Dana Airlines was no longer in a position to meet its financial obligations and to conduct safe flight operations.

“The NCAA acknowledges the negative effect this pre-emptive decision will have on the airline’s passengers and the travelling public and seeks their understanding, as the safety of flight operations takes priority over all other considerations,” the statement added.