Dana Air Sacks over 1,000 Workers Weeks after License Suspension

Dana Air has laid off about 1000 employees, including 583 permanent members of staff and expatriates, following the suspension of its operations by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Though the airline claims this disengagement is temporary,  but emails seen Nigeria CommunicationsWeek,  suggested that it 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 oppourtunity to thank you for your contribution to the organisation during your time here with us and wish you the best in your future endeavours.”

Kingsley Ezen, head, Corporate Communications for the airline, in a statement, however blamed the development on the ongoing audit by the Nigerian regulatory authorities.

“In light of the ongoing audit, Dana Air has decided to temporarily disengage some staff members pending the conclusion of the audit,” Ezen said.

“The Management of Dana Air extends its sincere appreciation to all staff members for their resilience and dedication during this period of uncertainty. It recognises the difficulties that staff have had to endure and assures them that every effort is being made to resolve the situation promptly,” it added.

Recall that on April 24, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority suspended the Air Operators Certificate of Dana Air 24 hours after the airline’s plane from Abuja landed at the Lagos airport runway and veered off into a nearby field.

Reacting to the development, Festus Keyamo, minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, said the airline has been operating in an unhealthy status.