NCAA lifts ban on Discovery Air

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority on Tuesday lifted the suspension placed on the operations of Discovery Air.

The ban was lifted by the Director-General, NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman, in a letter sent to the management of the airline titled ‘Notice of Restoration of Air Operators Certificate’.

According to the agency, the decision to restore the AOC of the domestic carrier was predicated on the satisfactory conclusion of a Financial Health Audit of the airline.

A statement by the authority’s Deputy General Manager, Mr. Sam Adurogboye, stated that in the aftermath of the audit, the management of the airline had demonstrated encouraging commitment to offset the outstanding staff salaries by April 30, 2015.

“In addition, all staff sent on compulsory leave without pay have been recalled,” the NCAA added.

Usman, according to the statement, noted that the authority was satisfied with the Letters of Credit from the airline’s financiers, which had provided guarantee for their business in the long term.

“Therefore in consideration of all the actions taken by the airline to address passenger complaints, the authority, pursuant to Section 35(6) of the Civil Aviation Act 2006 hereby lifts the suspension of, and restores the Airline’s Air Operators Certificate with effect from the date of receipt of this letter,” he said.

Usman, however, informed the airline that prior to commencement of flight operations, the authority would carry out a mini audit of the airline to confirm the safety of its operations.

In January, the NCAA announced the suspension of the operations of Discovery Air.

The regulatory body had stated that the suspension of the activities of the airline was in pursuit of NCAA’s oversight responsibilities as stipulated by law.