Dana Air lays off workers weeks after license is revoked

Dana Air has laid off several of its employees weeks after being suspended by the Nigerian government.

In a statement on Saturday, the airline’s head of corporate communications, Kingsley Ezen, blamed the development on ongoing scrutiny by Nigerian regulators.

“In view of the ongoing audit, Dana Air has decided to temporarily lay off some employees pending the completion of the audit,” Ezenwa said.

“Dana Air management extends its sincere gratitude to all employees for their resilience and commitment during this time of uncertainty. It recognizes the difficulties experienced by employees and assures them that every effort will be made to resolve the situation promptly,” it added.

Recall that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority suspended Dana Air’s air operator’s certificate on April 24, 24 hours after the airline’s plane from Abuja landed on the runway of Lagos airport and turned into a nearby field.

Reacting to the development, Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo said the airline was in an unhealthy state.