NCAA reaffirms obligation to safe flight operations as Dana air remains grounded

“NCAA is open to informed criticisms geared towards improving the industry. The detailed report of the two audits on DANA showed the determination of the Authority’s staff,” said the agency’s DG

By Uzor Odigbo

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensure the continued sustenance of safe and secure flight operations of the nation’s aviation industry.

The regulatory agency said it will continue the implementation of its statutory responsibilities and duties to retain the confidence of the flying public.

Captain Musa Nuhu, Director-General of NCAA stated this in an interview with aviation journalists in Lagos on Thursday.

Capt. Nuhu disclosed that investigations were still ongoing into the operations of the suspended Dana Air and the airline will remain grounded until all the identified issues have been resolved in compliance with Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs).

He explained that NCAA had carried out a Financial and Economic Health Audit in addition to Technical Safety Audit of the airline.

The outcome of the two audit revealed a weak financial position and grave violations Nig.CARs which prompted he immediate suspension of the airline’s Air Transport License (ATL) and Air Operators Certificate (AOC).

Nuhu expressed dismay at some negative comments directed towards the regulatory body in some social media platforms based on an interview that took place on a television network.

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He urged industry experts to seek clarification from the Authority in order to make informed and balanced comments.

“Almost the entirety of the comments during the interview were direct quotes of NCAA findings of the two audits. The details of these investigations and proactive action showed the professionalism of the apex regulatory agency.

“NCAA is open to informed criticisms geared towards improving the industry. The detailed report of the two audits on DANA showed the determination of the Authority’s staff in ensuring that the safety and security of flights is foremost and overrides all other considerations”, he said.

NCAA had in July suspended the operations of Dana Air’s Transport License (ATL) and Air Operator Certificate (AOC) indefinitely, following the outcome of a Financial and Economic Health Audit and a Technical Safety Audit carried out on the airline’s flight operations.

According to NCAA, the airline was no longer in a position to meet its financial obligations and to conduct safe flight operations, an action it took 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.