JUST IN: NCAA Suspends United Nigeria Airlines’ Wet-Leased Aircraft Amidst Diversion Controversy

In response to a United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) aircraft diverting to Asaba International Airport instead of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has swiftly suspended all wet-leased aircraft under the airline. Sources close to NCAA revealed that the decision, communicated via a letter to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of UNA, will keep all wet-leased aircraft grounded pending the outcome of an investigation into the Sunday incident.

The move came after the incident gained attention on social media, prompting an emergency meeting led by the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Musa Nuhu. The agency deemed the airline’s explanation for the diversion untenable, especially as reports from Air Traffic Controllers contradicted claims of adverse weather conditions in Abuja.

An insider stated, “The excuse they provided to us that the diversion to Asaba was due to poor weather in Abuja was not acceptable to us. So, we have to take the big step by suspending all the aircraft that are wet leased in their fleet.” The suspension raises concerns about the foreign crews’ familiarity with Nigeria, leading to the decision to ground the aircraft until a thorough investigation is completed.

United Nigeria Airlines flight NUA 0504, enroute from Lagos to Abuja, diverted to Asaba International Airport. While the airline attributed the diversion to poor weather, aviation experts disputed the claim, emphasizing the regular updates pilots receive on weather conditions. Despite the airline’s reassurance that the pilot was aware of the temporary diversion, a misleading announcement by the cabin crew upon landing in Asaba added to passenger confusion. The airline later clarified, stating, “Meanwhile, the aircraft has landed safely in Abuja following improvement on destination weather. United Nigeria Airlines remains committed to ensuring the safety of its passengers at all times.”

Last month, United Nigeria Airlines welcomed a wet-leased Airbus A320-200 from Bulgaria’s Fly2Sky to enhance domestic capacity during the IATA winter season. The aircraft, LZ-FSA (msn 4247), is expected to be part of the UNA fleet until March 31, 2024. Fly2Sky’s Chief Commercial Officer, Aleksandrs Gusevs, expressed excitement about supporting United Nigeria Airlines’ operations and strengthening ties with partners in the African continent through this collaboration.