July 21, (THEWILL) – Passengers who were affected by the sudden suspension of Dana Air by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Thursday, stormed the sales counter of the Airline, demanding refunds of their earlier bookings.
When THEWILL visited the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) domestic terminal in Lagos, early Thursday, passengers who still have their unused tickets were seen shouting at the top of their voices, asking officials of the airline for their refunds. They were being addressed by the airline workers, who assured them that the situation would be addressed amicably.
NCAA) had on Wednesday, suspended Dana Airlines’ Air Transport Licence (ATL) and Air Operator Certificate (AOC) indefinitely, with effect from midnight of Wednesday, 20th July, 2022.
The suspension was made pursuant to Section 35(2), 3(b) and (4) of the Civil Aviation Act, 2006 and Part 1.3.3.3(a)(1) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs), 2015.
NCAA also added that their action was outcome of a financial and economic health audit carried out on the Airline by the Authority.
However, Kingsley Ezenwa, Communications/Marketing,
Dana Airlines, assured that the airline had commenced Operational Audit as advised by the NCAA.
Operational Audits are regulatory and airlines are required to suspend their operations when the regulator calls for it and we are confident that having been successful in previous audits, we will come back even stronger and better.
The audit is also an opportunity for us to prove once again and reassure our guests, clients and partners that we remain strong, safe, efficient and reliable
Ezenwa maintained that they are fully cooperating with the NCAA to ensure their quick return to flight operations.
“As an airline, we are not insulated from the multiple challenges airlines and the aviation industry is grappling with daily, which includes the recent skyrocketing cost of aviation fuel at N830/ltr, unavailability of forex, Ground Handling services, inflation, multiple taxation, amongst other operational challenges, which airlines have made frantic efforts to communicate to the flying public and the government.
“While this short stay off the market remains painful and heartbreaking for us, our customers, clients and partners, we remain very hopeful and very confident of our position.
“Our offices will remain open to our travel partners, clients and our customer service will still be operational 24/7 as always to assist customers with necessary information.”
He stated that customers with unused tickets have also been advised to apply for refunds by sending an email to them with their details, stressing that the airline will try and resolve in a timely manner.
“Wish to sincerely apologise to all affected customers, clients and travel partners for any inconveniences caused and crave your understanding and patience in the cause of this audit”, the airline added.
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.
