Aviation minister Festus Keyamo has ordered the immediate suspension of Dana Air’s operations after one of its planes skidded off the runway of Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

The minister issued the directive on Wednesday in a letter to the director-general of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Chris Najomo, through the permanent secretary, Emmanuel Meribole.

The runway incursion by the Dana aircraft, Flight 9J0352, with registration number 5N BKI, on Tuesday morning forced local flights diversion to the international airport.

The aircraft, which had 83 passengers and six crew members on board, departed Abuja at 8:20 a.m. local time and arrived in Lagos around 9:20 a.m. before the incident happened but with no casualty recorded.

According to the letter, with reference number PS/FMA/MA/S.121/Vol. 1/99, the minister stated that the suspension would remain until a safety and financial health audit is carried out on the airline because recent incidents involving the airline called for urgent safety concerns.

“As the supervisor overseeing our nation’s aviation safety and regulatory compliance, it has come to the honourable minister’s attention that recent incidents involving DANA AIRLINE have raised serious concerns regarding both the safety and financial viability of their operations.

“In light of these incidents and with the paramount priority being the safety and well-being of our citizens and travellers, the honourable minister has directed that you immediately initiate the suspension of Dana Airline’s fleet until a comprehensive audit can be conducted,” said the letter.

It added, “This audit should encompass all aspects of safety protocols, maintenance procedures, and financial health to ensure full compliance with our aviation regulations. The recent incidents have underscored the urgency of this matter, and it is imperative that swift and decisive action be taken to safeguard the interests of all stakeholders involved. 

“I trust in your expertise and diligence in carrying out this audit thoroughly and expeditiously. Please keep me informed of the progress and any significant findings throughout this process. Your dedication to upholding the highest standards of aviation safety is deeply appreciated and please, accept the assurances of the Honourable Minister’s best wishes.”

The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into the incident.