Former employees of Dana Air staged a protest, revealing that the suspended airline currently has only one “serviceable” plane out of its fleet of seven. The protesters carried placards with messages like ‘Expatriates not paid for three months,’ ‘Pension deductions not remitted since 2008,’ ‘Say No to tyranny,’ and ‘7 aircraft, only one serviceable.’
Magdalene Onyeukwu, the airline’s former training and cabin services manager, expressed her disappointment over the layoffs and criticized the airline management for their lack of empathy and inadequate settlements. Ms. Onyeukwu, who has been with the airline since 2008, emphasized the dedication of the workers despite challenges, including unpaid salaries and the April 23 runway incident.
She highlighted the sudden nature of their dismissal, communicated through WhatsApp messages, and demanded that the Chief Executive Officer of Dana Air, Mr Jacky Hathiramani, address the workers’ grievances. “We want our gratuities, while our April salary and one month instead of service should be paid,” she asserted.
Eze Chidi, a former aviation security (AVSEC) supervisor, joined the protest, condemning the airline management’s actions as unjust. He called on the federal government to intervene in what he described as victimization, exploitation, and poor management practices.
Dana Air management officials were unavailable for comments. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) suspended the airline’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC) on April 24 following a runway skid incident involving its MD-82 aircraft. The suspension allows the NCAA to conduct a comprehensive audit of the airline. On May 11, amid the ongoing audit, the airline announced that some employees had been “temporarily disengaged.”
