Three private jet operators had their permits suspended by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for breaking aviation laws, News About Nigeria reports.
This action was taken when it was discovered that the operators had violated the nation’s aviation sector regulations by participating in commercial flights.
Acting Director General of the NCAA, Chris Najomo, made the announcement, citing the operators’ failure to adhere to critical regulations governing the aviation industry.
He revealed that Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has already issued orders in 2023 prohibiting the use of private jets for commercial purposes.
However, the operators continued to operate commercial flights in violation of this directive.
Najomo said that the NCAA had issued a stern warning in March 2024, specifically cautioning permit holders for non-commercial flights against carrying passengers, cargo, or mail for hire and reward.
The authority then sent out agents to keep an eye on private jet operations at airport terminals throughout Nigeria.
After increased monitoring, it was found that three private operators had broken both Part 9114 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 and the annexure clause of their Permit for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF).
In response to these violations, the NCAA has suspended the PNCF of the operators as part of its zero-tolerance policy towards regulatory breaches.
“In line with our zero tolerance for violations of regulations, the authority has suspended the PNCF of these operators.
“To further sanitise the general aviation sector, I have directed that a reevaluation of all orders of PNCF be carried out on or before the 19th of April 2024 to ascertain compliance with regulatory requirements.”
