FG may seize Dana Air assets to refund stranded passengers – Keyamo

…four airports get NAMA approval to operate till 10pm

Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has said the Federal Government may move to recover and sell the assets of Dana Air to refund passengers and travel agents whose funds remain trapped following the suspension of the airline’s operations.

Keyamo disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during the fourth-quarter stakeholder engagement on “Leveraging Public Feedback to Drive Excellence in Aviation Services,” where he directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to intensify efforts to trace and refund all outstanding payments owed by the airline.

He explained that the decision to suspend Dana Air last year was based on damning safety and operational reports, stressing that passenger safety was prioritised over commercial considerations.

“For Dana, the problem is that it was a choice between safety and disaster. We didn’t take the commercial aspect as a priority. The priority was safety. I have asked the DG of NCAA to dig deep to find out how those passengers and agents will be refunded,” he said

Keyamo further stated that the government would not allow individuals linked to the troubled airline to return to the sector without clearing outstanding debts.

“One solution will also be that if the same individuals or entities attempt to return to aviation in any guise, they must settle their debts first. We should look at their assets. Let them sell their assets. Let’s cannibalise their revenue and pay people. Let’s find a way to go after their assets,” he added

Dana Air’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC) was suspended on April 24, 2024, following a runway excursion involving one of its MD-82 aircraft, with the NCAA ordering a comprehensive safety and economic audit.

Speaking at the event, Chris Najomo, Director-General of NCAA, represented by Ben Omogo, Director of Aviation Security Regulations, revealed that 9,529 passengers had received refunds or compensation between January and September 2025, with more claims under review.

He also disclosed that 11 enforcement actions and 9 sanctions were issued for consumer protection violations, while 515 economic authorisations were processed within the period.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has approved extended operating hours up to 10pm for four additional airports as part of efforts to improve passenger experience and enhance air travel efficiency nationwide.

The airports granted approval are Yola International Airport, Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilorin and Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu State.

The approval came after stakeholders called for an extension of time for flight operations into other airports aside Abuja and Lagos airports.

The extension is expected to boost regional connectivity, reduce flight delays, and support increased commercial activities across the affected airports.