The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has suspended two ValueJet pilots following a safety breach at the domestic terminal of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

In a statement on Tuesday, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said the authority received reports of a serious violation of aviation safety protocols involving a ValueJet flight on August 5.

Achimugu said preliminary investigations revealed that the pilot initiated departure procedures from the designated bay without obtaining the required pre-departure clearance.

“This reckless action endangered the safety of ground personnel and other airport users, contravening established civil aviation regulations and international safety standards.

“The NCAA views this incident with utmost seriousness.

“Consequently, the Authority has taken immediate enforcement action by suspending the licences of the pilot, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co-pilot, First officer Ivan Oloba with immediate effect,” he said.

The director said the suspension would remain in effect until the investigation is concluded, reiterating the NCAA’s commitment to maintaining safety across the aviation sector.