The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has grounded a private aircraft and suspended its operator’s permit after the jet made a missed approach at Asaba Airport this morning, landed on an unfinished road in Ogwashi-Uku, and later took off without regulatory clearance.
According to a statement from the Minister of Aviation,Festus Keyamo ,the aircraft attempted to land at Asaba at *07:43 am local time* but instead touched down on a concrete road still under construction near Ogwashi-Uku. All four crew members exited safely and were transported to Asaba by road. No injuries were reported.
The aircraft remained at the site for several hours before departing at *11:02 GMT* and returning to Lagos. The Minister said Air Traffic Control was notified only after the aircraft was airborne, meaning it took off without requisite approval. “We view this incident as a serious breach of Regulations and security,” the statement said.
Upon arrival in Lagos, NCAA immediately grounded the aircraft pending investigation. The Authority has also placed the flight under regulatory review and is coordinating with the operator and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency to establish the full circumstances of both the landing and the unauthorized departure.
As part of enforcement action, NCAA has *suspended the operator’s Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF)*. The Authority said it will review all operational, airworthiness, maintenance, and flight records and will take further action in line with aviation regulations.
The Minister added that he has spoken to relevant security agencies and the crew are currently in custody, assisting with the investigation. NCAA said updates will be provided as inquiries continue.
