The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has announced in a statement the suspension of operations of a major airline, Dana Air, after an aircraft belonging to the company skidded off the runway on Tuesday.
The authority said that the action is based on "elevated safety concerns" posed by the airline.
"As a precautionary step [...] the Authority has imposed a suspension on your Air Operator Certificate (AOC) with effect from 24 April, 2024 at 23:59 to allow for a thorough safety and economic audit," the statement read.
The audit should cover all aspects of safety protocols, maintenance procedures and financial condition to ensure full compliance with our aviation regulations, the authority added.
On Tuesday, a Dana Air aircraft flying from Abuja to Lagos skidded off the runway while attempting to land.
According to the airline, all passengers and crew members on board the plane 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," Dana Air said.
This is not the first time that Dana Air's operations have been suspended by the authorities. In 2022, the airline's operations were suspended after the negative results of an audit of the airline's financial and economic situation conducted by the regulator, according to local media.