Dana Air Lays Off Over 1,000 Workers After NCAA Suspension

Dana Air has temporarily disengaged some of its airline’s staff members till the end of the operational audit.

Checks reveal that about 1000 employees, including 583 permanent members of staff and expatriates, were laid off by Dana Air on Thursday, May 9, 2024, following the suspension of its operations by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)

Though the airline claims this disengagement is temporary, emails seen by the Sun suggested that it is a permanent termination. A paraphrased email sent to all the disengaged members of staff from the airline’s management read: “We regret to inform you that your service is no longer required effective May 9, 2024. This difficult decision was necessitated by the unfortunate suspension of our AOC/business operations by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and enormous challenges the suspension continues to occasion. We take this opportunity to thank you for your contribution to the organisation during your time here with us and wish you the best in your future endeavours.”

LEADERSHIP reports that the ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development had, last month, called for the suspension of Dana Airline operations for an operational audit after the airline had a runway excursion in Lagos.

However, in a statement made available to LEADERSHIP by the head, Corporate Communication of the airline, Kingsley Ezenwa, the decision was to ensure efficient management of resources and to facilitate a thorough review of operational procedures.

“In light of the ongoing audit, Dana Air has made the decision to temporarily disengage some staff members pending the conclusion of the audit. This decision has been made to ensure efficient management of resources and to facilitate a thorough review of operational procedures,” Ezenwa stated in a statement on Saturday morning.

However, providing an update on the operational audit, Ezenwa stated that the audit, currently underway, is a collaborative effort between Dana Air and the authorities to ensure compliance with all necessary standards and regulations.

Dana Air reaffirms its commitment to full cooperation with the authorities to facilitate a smooth and expedited resolution of the audit process.

The management of Dana Air extends its sincere appreciation to all staff members for their resilience and dedication during this period of uncertainty, adding that, it recognises the difficulties that staff have had to endure and assures them that every effort is 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 are currently engaging stakeholders on the progress made so far.

“Dana Air therefore urges for calm and understanding from our very dedicated staff for their altruism and stakeholders. The Management is working diligently to address any concerns and is preparing a restart plan that will 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,” Ezenwa stated.