A Dana Air Aircraft with registration number 5N BKI skidded off the runway at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday morning.
Dana Air, a prominent airline in Nigeria, promptly acknowledged the incident through a statement issued by its management. The statement reassured the public that despite the unsettling turn of events, everyone on board the flight emerged unscathed. Such prompt communication from the airline is crucial in maintaining transparency and trust with passengers and the wider community.
Though no passenger was hurt in the incident, it caused mild apprehension among those onboard the flight.
Dana Air confirmed the incident in a statement by its management, stating that all the 83 passengers and crew members disembarked unhurt.
It also disclosed that concerned and relevant aviation authorities have been informed of the incident, assuring passengers that their safety will continue to be treated with the utmost priority.
The statement reads: “Relieved to confirm that all 83 passengers and crew onboard the flight disembarked safely without injuries or fear as the crew handled the situation with utmost professionalism.
“We have also updated the AIB and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority on the incident and the aircraft involved has been grounded by our maintenance team for further investigation,” it noted.
Appreciating the airport authorities and its crew for their swift response in ensuring the safe disembarkation of passengers following the incident, the airline apologised and appreciated the “passengers on the affected flight for their patience and understanding.”
The management of the airline reassured its passengers “that their safety will always be our top priority, and we are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
It is imperative for all stakeholders—airlines, regulatory bodies, airport authorities, and industry experts – to collaborate closely in reviewing and enhancing safety measures. This may involve implementing additional safeguards, conducting thorough risk assessments, and sharing best practices to mitigate the likelihood of similar incidents occurring.
The Dana Air runway incident serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges inherent in air travel and the collective responsibility shared by all stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of safety and professionalism. By learning from incidents such as this and implementing necessary reforms, we can strive towards a safer and more resilient aviation sector for the benefit of all.
