Dana Air has announced that it has let go of some staff members as part of an operational audit being conducted by the nation’s regulatory authorities.
Kingsley Ezenwa, the airline’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kingsley Ezenwa, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday morning.
Dana Air stated that the ongoing audit is a joint effort between the airline and the authorities to ensure compliance with all required standards and regulations.
“In light of the ongoing audit, Dana Air has made the decision to temporarily disengage some staff members pending the conclusion of the audit.
“This decision has been made to ensure efficient management of resources and to facilitate a thorough review of operational procedures.
“The Management of Dana Air extends its sincere appreciation to all staff members for their resilience and dedication during this period of uncertainty. It recognises the difficulties that staff have had to endure and assures them that every effort is being made to resolve the situation promptly,” Ezenwa said.
The statement said that Dana Air reaffirmed “its commitment to full cooperation with the authorities to facilitate a smooth and expedited resolution” of the audit process.
The airline also emphasized its commitment to providing updates and support to its staff during this process. While addressing these challenges, Dana Air has initiated discussions with lessors and is actively engaging stakeholders to discuss the progress made thus far.
“Dana Air therefore urges for calm and understanding from our very dedicated staff for their altruism and stakeholders,” the airline said.
In April, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority suspended Dana Airlines’ Air Operator Certificate with immediate effect.
The directive, issued by the NCAA Acting Director-General Chris Najomo in Abuja, cited “elevated safety concerns” regarding the airline.
The suspension followed an incident involving a Dana Air aircraft (MD82 with registration marks 5SN-BKI) experiencing a runway incursion upon landing at the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos from Abuja, less than 48 hours earlier.
Dana Air reported that all 83 passengers and crew members aboard the aircraft were safely evacuated.
“We are relieved to confirm that all 83 passengers and crew onboard the flight disembarked safely without injuries or fear as the crew handled the situation with utmost professionalism,” the airline said, adding that the country’s investigation Bureau and NCAA had been properly briefed about the incident.
The recent suspension marks the second time in two years that the NCAA has suspended Dana Airlines’ AOC due to safety violations. In 2022, the airline’s operations were halted following a negative outcome of a financial and economic health audit conducted by the regulatory authority.
Dana Air stated on Saturday that its management is actively addressing these concerns and is developing a restart plan to ensure the safe and efficient resumption of operations.
“Dana Air is confident that with the continued support of its staff and stakeholders, it will overcome these challenges and emerge stronger than ever,” the statement said.
