The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has stated that NG Eagle, Dana Air’s new partner, has been designated to manage ticket refunds and flight bookings for passengers affected by Dana Air’s suspension following an April runway incursion at Lagos domestic airport.
Tiswas disclosed in a statement by the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achmugu via its official X handle on Saturday.
The resolution follows a meeting between Capt. Chris Najomo, the Acting Director General of the NCAA, and representatives from Dana Air and NG Eagle.
The discussions focused on addressing concerns regarding delayed refunds.
Under the new arrangement, passengers will either receive cash refunds or have the option to use their tickets on NG Eagle flights, minimizing disruption to their travel plans.
The statement read “Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) refers to the suspension of Dana Air operations and its resultant effect on passenger travel.
“The authority is also aware that Dana Air customers who paid for flights that were not operated due to its suspension have sought a refund of their airfares and have been patiently waiting for same.
“In line with NCAA’s regulatory obligations, the DCGA, Capt. Chris Najomo and his management team have met with Dana Air and its new partners, NG Eagle with a view to resolving these complaints.
“The resolution is that NG Eagle will be taking up this obligation.
“To this end, Dana Air has informed that while alternative modalities are being put in place to treat cash refund requests, passengers who intend to utilize their tickets for travel will be able to do so on NG Eagle.
In April 2024, a Dana Air MD82 aircraft with registration 5N-BKI, en route from Abuja to Lagos, skidded off the runway at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. The aircraft, carrying 83 passengers and 6 crew members, landed safely with no injuries reported.
The NCAA revealed that the incident occurred when the aircraft’s nosewheel retracted upon landing, leading to the nose of the plane collapsing and the aircraft veering into a grassy area beside the runway.
In response, the NCAA suspended Dana Air’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to conduct a comprehensive safety and economic audit of the airline.
