November 27, (THEWILL) – The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended all wet-leased aircraft operated by United Nigeria Airlines.
The suspension is coming following contradictory reports about the unexpected diversion of an Abuja-bound flight to Asaba Airport on Sunday, November 27, 2023.
United Nigeria Airlines had attributed the diversion to Asaba to adverse weather conditions.
An official statement issued on Sunday evening, signed by the Head, Corporate Communications, Achilleus-Chud Uchegbu, stated that “at all material times, the Pilot of the aircraft was aware of the temporary diversion and was properly briefed.”
It, however, emphasised that “a wrong announcement was made by the cabin crew upon landing safely in Asaba, creating confusion among the passengers.”
But the NCAA, after a post-incident meeting, deemed the airline’s explanation untenable, prompting the suspension of UNA’s wet-leased aircraft, pending further investigation.
Director General of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Musa Nuhu, confirmed the suspension, emphasising the disparity between preliminary reports and the airline’s statement. He expressed concern about the presence of foreign pilots in the cockpit and their understanding of Nigerian airspace, questioning the necessity of wet leasing.
A statement issued on Monday, signed by the DG, NCAA, stated that “the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has commenced investigation into the circumstances surrounding United Nigeria flight NUA 0506 to Asaba and the confusion it has created in the public domain.
“However, preliminary steps have been taken pending conclusions of ongoing investigation. The Authority wishes to reassure the travelling public that it will leave no stone unturned, as it has always done in the past to ensure the continued safety of the aviation industry.”
About the Author
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
