The federal government, Sunday, impounded a Beirut, Lebanon-bound aircraft from the international wing of the Murtala Muhammad Airport in Lagos for contravening the flight stated humanitarian protocols.
The seized aircraft belongs to a United Kingdom-based company, Flair Aviation, the Minister for aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika disclosed via a tweet on his Twitter handle.
The beleaguered aircraft, according to the Minister, had received permission to only operate humanitarian flights into the country but was caught operating a commercial flight.
Sirika, while confirming the development said the crew of the flight were also being interrogated, and that maximum penalty for the offence would apply.
According to the aviation minister, “Flair Aviation, a UK company, was given approval for humanitarian operations but regrettably we caught them conducting commercial flights. This is callous! The craft is impounded, crew being interrogated. There shall be maximum penalty. Wrong time to try our resolve!”
The ministry refused to give additional details as it maintained that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is carrying out an investigation on the incident.
But a source at the airport told our correspondent that the “Aircraft, a bombardier pushed back at 1717 hours from E51 and was airborne at 1729 with 16 passengers plus three crew on board.”
The aircraft is currently parked at the Executive Jet terminal inside the international wing of the Murtala Muhammad Airport in Lagos.
Meanwhile, experts in the industry have called for comprehensive investigation into the incident to find out those involved in the shady deal to spite Nigeria and fleece the government of revenue.
Former MMIA Commandant and security consultant, Group Captain John Ojukutu (rtd), said the federal government must find answers to pertinent questions concerning the lawless act.
He said, “How did the operator of the aircraft obtain flight approval or which company represent the operator in Nigeria to facilitate the flight approval? What approval was requested for and what approval was given and what was the limit of the approval? Did NAMA see the flight approval before approving the flights plan clearance? Get answers to all these, then you know those behind the screen. Peace.”
