By Mick Oseji, Asaba
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has grounded a private aircraft and suspended its operator’s permit after it reportedly landed on the Asaba–Ogwashi-Uku Expressway in Delta State and later took off without regulatory clearance.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, drew widespread attention from residents and motorists who witnessed the aircraft touch down on a section of the expressway under construction rather than at the Asaba International Airport.
According to reports, the aircraft was attempting to land at the airport when it carried out a missed approach at about 7:43 a.m. local time before ending up on the concrete roadway in the Ogwashi-Uku area near Asaba.
Confirming the development, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the aircraft safely landed on the road and all occupants disembarked without injury.
“I have received reports of the private aircraft that conducted a missed approach at approximately 07:43 am local time this morning whilst attempting to land at the Asaba airport and ended up landing on a concrete road still under construction in the Ogwashi-Uku area, near Asaba.
“Happily, eye witnesses at the scene indicate that all occupants safely exited the aircraft and were transported to Asaba by road. The aircraft had four (4) crew members on board and there were no injuries to them,” Keyamo said.
However, the minister disclosed that the aircraft subsequently departed the location and flew back to Lagos without obtaining the required approval from aviation authorities.
“I am also informed that the aircraft subsequently departed the location at approximately 11:02 GMT and returned to Lagos without obtaining the requisite regulatory approval.
“I also understand that Air Traffic Control was notified only after the aircraft had become airborne. In other words, the aircraft had no clearance to take off again,” he stated.
Describing the incident as a serious breach of aviation regulations and security procedures, Keyamo announced immediate sanctions against the aircraft and its operator.
According to him, the NCAA grounded the aircraft upon its arrival in Lagos pending the outcome of investigations and placed the flight under regulatory review.
The minister further revealed that the NCAA is working with relevant stakeholders, including the aircraft operator and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, to determine the full circumstances surrounding both the emergency landing and the unauthorised departure.
As part of the enforcement measures, the regulator suspended the operator’s Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) and commenced a comprehensive review of its operational, maintenance, airworthiness and flight records.
“The NCAA has suspended the operator’s permit for Non-Commercial flight (PNCF). The NCAA will also review all operational, airworthiness, maintenance, and flight-related records as part of its statutory responsibilities and will take further enforcement action in accordance with applicable aviation regulations,” Keyamo said.
He added that security agencies had taken custody of the crew members and were assisting authorities with ongoing investigations.
The incident has sparked concerns within the aviation sector over compliance with safety regulations and operational procedures, particularly following the aircraft’s unauthorised take-off from a public roadway.
