.Embattled Dana air sacks workers
Barely three weeks after Dana Air’s incident in Lagos, another local airline, Xejet, yesterday, skidded off the Runway 18 Left at the Murtala Muhammed Airport.
The Embraer 145 aeroplane that departed Abuja for Lagos had all 53 souls safely disembarked and rescued from the scene by emergency responders.
The Guardian learnt that the incident occurred at about 11.29 a.m. with the 5NBZZ registered aircraft shooting off the runway and into the grass.
The incident led to the closure of the runway, and it was yet to be opened as of 5.00 p.m. yesterday.
The National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said it had been notified of the incident and a team of investigators deployed to the site.
It will be recalled that a Dana Air plane skidded off the same runway on April 23, 2024, leading to the airline’s controversial suspension of operations.
With 83 passengers and six crew members onboard, the Lagos-bound Dana aircraft had the runway excursion amid a heavy downpour at about 9.00 a.m.
A similar incident occurred in June 2023 when a United Nigeria Airlines flight skidded off the wet runway. The aircraft had 50 passengers on board.
In a related development, Dana Air yesterday terminated the appointment of several of its workers, pending the outcome of the ongoing operational audit by the regulators.
Head of Corporate Communications, Kingsley Ezenwa, confirmed that the decision was made “to ensure efficient management of resources and to facilitate a thorough review of operational procedures.”
The management of Dana Air, according to Ezenwa, recognised the difficulties that staff have had to endure and assured that every effort was being made to resolve the situation promptly.
“Dana Air remains committed to providing updates and support to its staff throughout this process, and while these challenges are being addressed, Dana Air has commenced talks with lessors, and is currently engaging stakeholders on the progress made so far.
“Dana Air, therefore, urges for calm and understanding from our dedicated staff for their altruism and stakeholders. The management is working diligently to address any concerns, and preparing a restart plan that would ensure the safe and efficient resumption of operations.”
“Dana Air is confident that with the continued support of its staff and stakeholders, it will overcome these challenges and emerge stronger than ever,” the statement read in part.
