Aviation
Sirika dares domestic airlines, says no going back on Nigeria Air
The Federal Government says it has no plan to discontinue the proposed new national carrier, Nigeria Air, despite ongoing suit challenging the project.
Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, stated this on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ appreciation forum for the reconstruction of Lagos airport Runway 18L.
He said he individually engaged three indigenous carriers to participate in the project but they turned down the offer.
Sirika said, “I contacted Air Peace, Azman Air and Max Air but they turned down my invitation because it was not formal.
“I do not see the possibility of any court of competent jurisdiction will erect a road block to the emergence of the national carrier.
“I have been very transparent in the processes put in place to deliver the national carrier. If anyone wants to invest in a company, no one can stop them from investing. You can own a company 100 percent. If anyone wants to invest, why not ? We want foreign direct investment.”
He said it was unacceptable and unfair for stakeholders to claim that they had not been carried along on the national carrier project, adding that anybody who holding such information was working contrary to the actualisation of the aviation road map.
“Every information or documents pertaining to the project is domiciled at the ministry of aviation and Infrastructure Construction Regulatory Commission which are driving processes leading to the national carrier,” Sirika said.
He also spoke on the demolition of structures at the Lagos airport, stressing that there was no going back on the project to ensure Nigeria deliver state-of-the-art facilities that would transform into an aerotropolis.
The minister said Nigeria could not shortchange itself on the global move to deliver world-class air transport infrastructure as obtainable in other developed countries such as United Arab Emirates and America.
“If I have my way, those structures from the local airport to Bristow will be demolished tomorrow and pave way for the emergence of a befitting airport city. Would you not like to see shopping mall, befitting car parks and other support facilities like you find in other parts of the world?” he said.
He said he would put measures in place to sustain the achievements in the aviation industry during the Buhari administration.
Aviation
FG suspends Dana Air for comprehensive audit
FG suspends Dana Air for comprehensive audit
The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has ordered the suspension of Dana Air flight operations.
This came about 24 hours after the airline’s runway excursion incident at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
The directive was passed on Wednesday to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to be effected.
A letter signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, addressed to the NCAA said recent incidents involving Dana Air had raised concerns about the safety and financial viability of the airline’s operations.
It said the suspension would not be lifted until comprehensive audits on the Dana Air’s fleet had been conducted.
It stated that the audit would include safety protocols, maintenance procedures and financial health.
It stressed that the move to suspend the airline was aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians.
The statement reads, “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.
“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.”
Aviation
Dana Air grounds plane after runway incident, 83 passengers on board
Dana Air grounds plane after runway incident, 83 passengers on board
Dana Air says it has grounded its airplane that skidded off the Lagos airport runway on Tuesday.
The affected aircraft, a McDonald Douglas (MD-83) with registration 5N-BKI, had 83 passengers on board, it added.
Spokesman for the airline, Mr Kingsley Ezenwa, however, said all the 83 passengers and crew onboard the flight disembarked safely without injuries.
He said in a statement that the airline decided to ground the plane to allow for proper investigation into what caused the accident.
The statement read in part, “Dana Air regrets to inform the public of a runway incursion involving one of our aircraft, registration number 5N BKI, which was flying from Abuja to Lagos today, 23/04/24.
“We are relieved to confirm that all 83 passengers and crew onboard the flight disembarked safely without injuries or scare as the crew handled the situation with utmost professionalism.
“We have also updated the Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, and Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on the incident, and the aircraft involved has been grounded by our maintenance team for further investigation.
“We wish to thank the airport authorities, our crew for their very swift response in ensuring the safe disembarkation of all passengers following the incident, and our sincere apologies and appreciation to the passengers on the affected flight for their patience and understanding.”
Aviation
Just in: Panic as Dana Air plane skids off Lagos airport runway
Just in: Panic as Dana Air plane skids off Lagos airport runway
Tragedy was averted on Tuesday as a Dana Air plane skidded off the Lagos airport runway.
Although it was not immediately clear why the pilot lost control, causing the plane skid off the runway, Newstrends learnt that the incident led to the diversion of other flights to the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
In a post by X user, BelemaMhart — who boarded another airline — it was stated that there were no casualties.
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