FG lifts Dana Airline’s suspension – UPDATED

Dana Airline’s license has been restored amid ongoing inquest into the cause of death of the crash victims.

The Federal Government on Wednesday announced the immediate lifting of the suspension order on the operating license of Dana Airlines.

The lifting of the suspension came as a shocker, as a coroner’s inquest into the cause of the death has not reached a conclusion and the families of the 153 victims who lost their lives in the fatal crash are yet to be p aid full compensation.

The operating license of Dana Airlines was temporarily suspended following the crash of one of its aircraft in Lagos, on June 3.

The Aviation Minister, Stellah Oduah, in a statement released by her Special Assistant (Media), Joe Obi, said that the government decided to rescind its order “follows government’s satisfaction with the air-worthiness of the airline after a rigorous technical, operational and financial audit of the airline.”

According to Mr. Obi, “Dana Airline is free to resume its normal commercial flight operations.”

“Government will however continue to strengthen its oversight and regulatory functions to ensure that all airlines operating in the country, including Dana, adhered strictly to safety procedures as required by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Act and all other relevant local and international regulations that ensure and promote sustainable air safety,” the statement read.

In the wake of the crash and subsequent suspension of its operational license, some Dana staff were asked to proceed on compulsory leave. The management was also having difficulties paying the salaries of the remaining staff, fueling speculations that the airline was on the brink of an imminent collapse.