Aircraft crew detained after landing on Delta road, says Keyamo
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has described the landing and subsequent departure of a private aircraft from a roadway near Asaba, Delta State, as a breach of aviation regulations and a national security concern. The aircraft, which reportedly failed to land at Asaba Airport, landed on a concrete road under construction in the Ogwashi-Uku area. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority grounded the aircraft upon its arrival in Lagos and suspended the operator’s Permit for Non-Commercial Flight, launching a full-scale investigation. Keyamo expressed relief that no lives were lost but noted serious concerns regarding the incident and the aircraft’s departure without authorization. Air Traffic Control was only notified after the aircraft was airborne, indicating a flight without necessary operational clearance. Keyamo called this an unacceptable breach of aviation regulations and security protocols. The NCAA is conducting a comprehensive regulatory review, examining operational, airworthiness, maintenance, and flight-related records. Relevant security agencies have taken custody of the flight crew, who are cooperating with investigators. The minister assured the public of a thorough and transparent investigation, with appropriate actions to be taken based on the findings, emphasizing that no individual or operator will be permitted to circumvent established aviation procedures.
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