The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the operating permits of three private jet operators for engaging in unauthorized commercial flights.
This action follows a warning issued by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, regarding private jet operators running commercial services without the appropriate licenses, resulting in significant revenue losses for the Federal Government.
In an interview on Channels TV’s Newsnight program on Monday, Keyamo expressed his concerns about the financial impact of private jets operating commercially. He stated that while private jets licensed for private use are charged lower fees, operators have been carrying passengers all over Nigeria for multiple flights per day without proper licensing. He added that this practice constitutes economic sabotage and announced the government’s intention to crack down on such operators.
Acting Director General of the NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, took swift action following Keyamo’s warning, suspending three operators found guilty of running commercial flights. Najomo noted that these operators had continued their unauthorized operations despite multiple warnings.
The NCAA’s suspension of the operators aligns with its zero-tolerance policy for regulatory violations. The agency also announced plans to re-evaluate all holders of the Permit for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF) by April 19, 2024, to ensure compliance with regulations.
All PNCF holders are required to submit relevant documents to the NCAA within 72 hours. Additionally, the NCAA has warned AOC holders against utilizing aircraft listed on their PNCF for commercial charter operations.
The NCAA urges the public to avoid patronizing unauthorized charter operators and encourages legitimate industry players to promptly report any suspicious activity for necessary action.
