The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended 10 private jet operators for failing to commence the recertification process. According to a statement signed by NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, the suspension is based on Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4, which prohibits holders of Permits for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF) from using their aircraft for commercial operations or charter services.

The suspended operators include:

– Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd
– Bli-Aviation Safety Services
– Ferry Aviation Developments Ltd
– Matrix Energy Ltd
– Marrietta Management Services Ltd
– Worldwide Skypaths Services
– Mattini Airline Services Ltd
– Aero Lead Ltd
– Sky Bird Air Ltd
– Ezuma Jets Ltd

The NCAA emphasized that engaging PNCF holders for commercial purposes is illegal and warned that it would not hesitate to take enforcement actions against any PNCF holder found guilty of such violations.

In April, the NCAA had already suspended permits for commercial flights of three private jet operators. Acting Director General Chris Najomo stated that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had mandated the cessation of private jets being used for commercial purposes in 2023, but operators continued to violate this order.

In March 2024, the NCAA issued a stern warning to PNCF holders against engaging in commercial operations. The authority also deployed officials to monitor private jet activities at terminals across Nigerian airports, resulting in the suspension of operators violating regulations.

The regulator directed that all non-commercial flight permit holders be re-evaluated by April 19, 2024, requiring them to submit relevant documents within 72 hours. Additionally, existing Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders using aircraft listed on their PNCF for commercial charter operations were instructed to apply to delist the affected aircraft from the PNCF and include it in the AOC operations specification.

The NCAA urged the traveling public to avoid patronizing any airline charter operator without a valid Air Operator Certificate issued by the NCAA.