Barely 24 hours after one of Dana’s airline craft with registration number 5N BKI which skidded off the runway at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on the morning of Tuesday, 23 April, 2024, the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo has suspended Dana Airline operations due to concerns surrounding the safety and financial viability of their operations.
Recall that there was tension at the airport on Tuesday, 23 April, 2024 when a Dana Air plane overshot the runway.
The incident happened around 9:30am prompting runway 18L to be closed while all domestic arrivals and departures were temporarily diverted to runway 18R.However, passengers were evacuated unhurt using the emergency exit gate while the aircraft was stuck in the grass near the runway.
It was gathered that the incident happened after a heavy downpour in Lagos.Dana Air, in a statement commended “the experience, professionalism and swift response demonstrated by our crew in handling the runway excursion incident.”It, however, apologised to passengers for their schedule disruption following the grounding of the aircraft involved in the excursion. “We understand the frustration and inconvenience experienced by passengers whose travel plans were disrupted due to the incident and we are deeply sorry.”The airline stated that “quick thinking, adherence to safety strict standards, and effective communication ensured the safe disembarkation of all passengers without injury.”
