Dana Air denies engine explosion, says ‘operational challenges’ caused cancelled flights

Dana Air has denied a social media report that the company’s aircraft engine exploded shortly before take-off from Lagos on Wednesday.

An X, formerly Twitter, user, King David Hybrid, made the post.

“Dana aircraft’s engine just exploded just shortly before take off. The flight was supposed to be from Lagos to Abuja. God just saved my guy. Nigeria is a joke,” he said.

However, in a statement by the company, Dana Air said the X user was seeking attention, as the aircraft only experienced “some operational challenges and non-scheduled maintenance of our aircraft”.

“Ordinarily, we wouldn’t have given such a baseless post from the x handle the attention it is seeking, but for the benefit of enlightenment and our valued guests who have shown better understanding,” Dana Air said.

“Today, the 22nd of November,2023, we had some operational challenges and non-scheduled maintenance of our aircraft which led to the disruption of our schedule.

“While passengers on the affected flights have been provided options and issues resolved, we are still wondering where this Twitter user got his fake news from.

“At Dana Air, the safety of our staff and customers remains a top priority.”

Dana Air said the public should disregard the report circulated on the social media platform, as it is attention-seeking and malicious.

According to NAN, Dana Air passengers at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) terminal 2 departure lounge were said to have been left stranded and frustrated due to the operational challenges faced by the airline, leading to disruptions in flight schedules.

Affected passengers expressed their anger and disappointment, with some alleging that the airline had abandoned them without providing adequate information or support.

A passenger simply identified as Olumoko, said she came in from Abeokuta to board a DANA morning flight at 10 am, but had been affected by the disruption.

She said she was still stranded hours later and had yet to retrieve her luggage.

Several other affected passengers also voiced their dissatisfaction with the situation, criticising the airline’s lack of communication and transparency.