NCAA begins probe on United Nigeria Airlines flight diversion

…Suspends wet-leased aircraft in airline’s fleet

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), on Monday, commenced a probe into the circumstances leading to the diversion of a United Nigeria Flight NUA 0506 Lagos / Abuja bound flight to Asaba on account of poor destination weather cited by the carrier.

This is because the regulatory authority also suspended all wet-leased aircraft in the fleet of United Nigeria Airlines.

Director General of NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu , who disclosed this said the regulator is not pleased with the confusion passengers faced when the cabin crew mistakenly announced landing in Abuja upon reaching Asaba airport.

Nuhu said the NCAA has begun preliminary steps in the investigation with the suspension of all wet lease aircraft in United Nigeria Airline’s fleet.

The NCAA said it has observed conflicting reports in the account given by United Nigeria Airlines, suggesting bad weather for the flight diversion, whereas information from Abuja Air Traffic Control indicated favourable weather conditions.

Investigations reveal that the NCAA, after a post-incident meeting, deemed the airline’s explanation untenable, prompting the suspension pending further investigation.

A source familiar with the development , hinted that the NCAA is getting concerned about the presence of foreign pilots in the cockpit and their understanding of Nigerian airspace.

The wet-leased aircraft, were they only foreign pilots in the cockpit and did they understand our airspace better than Nigerian pilots?”

“It’s an issue of concern, however, we have summoned them for the opportunity to tell us what really happened,” said the source.