NCAA Suspends Mattini Airline Over Ibadan Runway Incident, Begins Probe

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced the suspension of the Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) of Mattini Airline Services Limited.

The decision follows Friday’s incident where the airline’s Challenger CL 601 aircraft, carrying 10 persons, experienced a runway excursion at Ibadan Airport.

The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of NCAA, Michael Achimugu, stated in a statement on Saturday that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) is conducting an investigation into the occurrence in compliance with statutory provisions.

The suspension of the airline’s permit will remain in effect until it is confirmed that the conditions of the PNCF have been met.

In addition to the safety investigation by NSIB, the NCAA has initiated a safety and economic audit of all private jet operations in Nigeria.

Achimugu affirmed the NCAA’s commitment to ensuring the safety of the travelling public and adherence to global best practices in aviation.

The statement read in part: “NCAA is aware of the runway excursion involving a Challenger CL 601 aircraft, operated by Mattini Airline Services Limited, with registration marks N580KR at Ibadan Airport on 26th January, 2024.

“Mattini Airline Services Limited holds a valid Permit for Non-Commercial Flight, PNCF. In line with statutory provisions, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, has launched an investigation into the occurrence.

“While the NSIB is conducting the safety investigation, the NCAA has initiated an economic inquiry into the operation of the aircraft viz-a-viz the terms and conditions of the PNCF as detailed in its Annexure.”

The incident, which took place on January 26, 2024, involved the Challenger CL 601 aircraft skidding off the runway and into the nearby bush. Firefighters and rescue officials from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) were promptly deployed to the scene. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.