. . . CPC task Dana on adequate compensation of passengers
. . . As Accident Investigation Bureau probe mishap
Forty-four passengers and six crew members on board Dana Airline Flight 9J0363 operating from Abuja to Port Harcourt narrowly escaped tragedy 19:00 hours on Tuesday February 20th as the aircraft missed the runway, an anomaly that could have led to another grim incident in Nigeria’s string of avoidable aviation tragedies.
In a swift reaction, the Consumer Protection Council while congratulating the passengers and crew members for safe evacuation, called on the management of Dana Air to provide standard logistic support for the passengers.
A statement from the Council said the Council understands that Dana Air has provided logistic support and accommodation to passengers, insisted that the provisions ‘must comply with minimum standards in accordance with prevailing Regulations under Part 19, Nigerian Civil Aviation Rules (NCAR).’
‘The Consumer Protection Council, in collaboration with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, other aviation agencies and service providers are available to all passengers in the sector to answer questions, provide assistance and required assurances at this and other times.’
The Council further congratulated relevant airport and aviation authorities, as well as Dana Air for the safe evacuation and management of a situation it noted, ‘could have been tragic.’
The CPC called for an open, transparent, sensitive and responsive approach by the airline and relevant authorities stating that it is vital to sustaining confidence and assuring consumers. ‘The Council welcomes this openness and attention to consumers, including providing medical or psychological support where necessary’ the Council said.
The Council called for calm saying that it awaits more information and detailed investigation by the Accident Investigation Bureau in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.
‘The Council has been in communication with the airline and NCAA,’ the statement said.
Although the cause of the incident is still unknown, but under investigation, the aircraft is reportedly damaged while the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) have been notified and are already in control, even as the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) secured perimeter scene of incident.
Consumers can reach the Council on 08056003030 and 08056002020, contact@cpc.gov.ng and by Twitter at @cpcnig.
