In a significant move, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the operating license of Mattini Airline Services Ltd in the wake of a runway excursion involving one of its aircraft.
The Challenger CL 601 aircraft, en-route from Abuja to Ibadan, overshot the runway at Ibadan Airport on January 26, 2024, prompting swift action from aviation authorities.
The suspension, as announced by the director of public affairs and consumer protection of NCAA, Mr. Michael Achimugu, is set to continue until investigations ascertain compliance with the Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) conditions.
The regulatory body has concurrently initiated a safety and economic audit of all private jet operations in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has taken charge of the safety investigation into the incident.
The Challenger CL 601 aircraft, with 12 passengers and three crew members onboard, encountered the runway excursion during the final approach. Remarkably, all occupants were safely evacuated.
According to Achimugu, the economic inquiry launched by the NCAA focuses on evaluating the operation of the aircraft in relation to the terms and conditions outlined in the PNCF.
In response to the incident, the NSIB, in a statement by director of public affairs and consumer protection, Mrs. Bimbo Olawunmi Oladeji, confirmed the commencement of its investigation. The NSIB has deployed a Go Team to delve into the circumstances surrounding the runway excursion.
Despite the dramatic turn of events, the Bureau has urged the public and press to exercise caution, respecting the privacy of those involved and refraining from premature assumptions about the cause of the incident until the formal report is released.
The regulatory actions underscore the commitment to safety and adherence to global best practices within Nigeria’s aviation sector. The investigations and audits aim to maintain the highest standards and ensure the well-being of air travelers in the country
