The suspension was carried out in accordance with Sections 35(2), 3(b), and (4) of the Civil Aviation Act of 2006 and Part 1.3.3.3(a)(1) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs), 2015, according to the regulation.

The management of Dana Airlines has since received notification of the suspension order issued by the Director-General, Captain Musa Nuhu.

Nuhu said: “The decision is 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 is no longer in a position to meet its financial obligations and to conduct safe flight operations.

“The NCAA acknowledges the negative effect this preemptive 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.”

We’ll come back stronger—Dana Air

Dana responded to the suspension yesterday by confirming that its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and Air Transport Licence (ATL) had been suspended indefinitely but asserting that it will rise from the suspension stronger.

The airline said it “understands 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 also gave the NCAA assurances that it was prepared and determined to work with the aviation authorities on the audit.

The airline also gave assurances to partners and customers about their safety, effectiveness, and dependability.

“The recent skyrocketing cost of Jet A1 at N830/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 stated.