Dana Air suspends staff over Lagos airport runway incident

Dana Air has announced the suspension of some employees after the Ministry of Aerospace Development suspended their operations.

In a statement by Head of Corporate Communications Kingsley Ezenwa on Saturday, the airline also said it has commenced discussions with lessors on the likelihood of leasing additional aircraft to strengthen its operations.

The airline said some employees had been laid off pending the outcome of ongoing financial and safety audits it was conducting at the airline.

Following last month’s incident involving a Dana Air McDonnell Douglas MD-82 aircraft with registration number 5N BKI at Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had commenced an audit of the airline.

The aircraft had departed from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, for Lagos with 83 passengers on board before the incident.

The Ministry of Aerospace Development had also ordered the NCAA to suspend the airline’s operations due to the serious incidents and other recent incidents involving the airline.

The airline also praised its employees for their resilience and commitment during this time of uncertainty and assured that it is working to resolve the situation promptly.

“Dana Air therefore asks our very committed employees for calm and understanding for their altruism and their stakeholders.

“Management is working diligently to address any concerns and is preparing a restart plan that will ensure the safe and efficient resumption of operations.

“Dana Air is confident that with the continued support of its employees and stakeholders, the company will overcome these challenges and emerge stronger than ever,” the statement continued.