The Chief Executive Officer of Dana Air, Jacky Hathiramani, has reportedly left Nigeria, leaving behind unpaid wages for staff and unrefunded tickets for passengers following the airline’s suspension earlier this year.
The airline was grounded in April 2024 after a runway incident involving one of its aircraft at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, raised significant safety concerns.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority subsequently suspended Dana Air operations, citing both safety and financial issues.
The NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, confirmed the challenges of holding the airline accountable, given that its CEO has left the country.
“For Dana Air, they can’t pay any refunds now because the airline was suspended for poor financial health,” Achimugu explained. “The owner has left the country, and it’s not within our jurisdiction to pursue him abroad. I’ve summoned the airline twice, but there’s currently no one we can hold responsible as most of the staff have been terminated.”
Achimugu likened the situation to a debtor who cannot settle their obligations due to lack of funds. “If I owe you money and I’m detained but still can’t pay, there’s little that can be done. That’s the current scenario with Dana Air,” he added.
