Dana Air asset recovery could refund passengers and travel agents trapped by the airline’s suspension. Government explores bold measures

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has revealed that the federal government may pursue Dana Air asset recovery to refund passengers and travel agents whose funds remain trapped following the suspension of the airline’s operations.

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Speaking on Tuesday during the Ministry’s fourth-quarter stakeholders’ engagement, Mr Keyamo emphasised that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will be directed to investigate why refunds are still pending.

The event, themed “Leveraging Public Feedback to Drive Excellence in Aviation Services,” highlighted the government’s focus on safety and accountability in the aviation sector.

“For Dana, the problem was a choice between safety and disaster. Commercial considerations were not our priority; safety was,” Keyamo said. “We looked at damning reports on their operations.

If they had continued flying, many of us could have been victims. God forbid.”

He explained that the NCAA suspended Dana Air’s operations based on safety concerns, but assured that financial restitution for affected passengers and agents remains a top priority.

“I have asked the NCAA Director General to dig deep to ensure passengers and agents are refunded. If entities involved attempt to re-enter aviation, they must first settle outstanding debts.

We should explore selling available assets to recover funds and compensate Nigerians,” Keyamo added.

Experts suggest that such decisive measures could set a precedent for accountability in Nigeria’s aviation sector while restoring public trust.

Also read: NCAA clarifies: Airline ticket prices are deregulated

Dana Air asset recovery may now offer a concrete path to resolving the longstanding financial uncertainty faced by passengers and travel agents.