NCAA suspends private jet operator’s permit after Ibadan runway incident

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the permit of Mattini Airline Services Limited after the company’s jet overshot the runway at Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, Oyo state.

The challenger CL 601 aircraft, which departed Abuja, skidded into the nearby bush at the runway on Friday.

No fatality was recorded, as all passengers and crew were safely evacuated. 

In a statement on Friday, Michael Achimugu, NCAA director of public affairs and consumer protection, said the aviation authority has initiated an economic inquiry into the operation of the aircraft in line with its permit for non-commercial flight (PNCF). 

“Mattini Airline Services Limited holds a valid Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF). In line with statutory provisions, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into the occurrence,” NCAA said. 

“While the NSIB is conducting the safety investigation, the NCAA has initiated an economic inquiry into the operation of the aircraft viz-a-viz the terms and conditions of the PNCF as detailed in its Annexure.

“In the meantime, and in accordance with Sec 32 (4) of the the Civil Aviation Act 2022, the NCAA has suspended the PNCF of Mattini Airline Services Limited with immediate effect.” 

According to the authority, the suspension will “subsist until determination is made that the conditions of the PNCF have been adhered to”.  

NCAA said it has further initiated a safety and economic evaluation of all private jet operations in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, NSIB said it has commenced a thorough investigation into the runway excursion incident involving the jet.

In a statement signed by Bimbo Oladeji, NSIB director of public affairs and consumer protection, the bureau said it was open to receiving assistance from the public.

“We urge anyone with video clips, relevant evidence, or information pertaining to the incident to come forward and assist us in our investigation,” NSIB said.

“The Bureau will appreciate that the general public and press respect the privacy of the people involved.”

NSIB advised the public not to assume the cause of the serious incident until a formal report is released.