The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the pilots involved in the recent aircraft roadway landing near Asaba Airport, pending the outcome of ongoing investigations into the incident.Â
The aircraft involved has also been grounded, while its Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) remains suspended.
According to TheCable, the aircraft reportedly aborted its landing approach at Asaba Airport and made an emergency landing on a nearby highway. NCAA Director-General Chris Najomo has announced the suspension of the pilots involved in the private jet’s roadway landing near Ogwashi-Uku after the aircraft missed its approach to Asaba Airport in June 2026.
Although everyone on board escaped unharmed, the jet, , a Bombardier Challenger 601-3A, later flew to Lagos without regulatory approval, leading the NCAA to ground the aircraft and suspend the operator’s Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) while investigations continue.
Also the NCAA Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, disclosed that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has handed the regulatory aspect of the investigation to the NCAA, which is now conducting its own inquiry. He also revealed that the Department of State Services (DSS) has joined the investigation due to the seriousness of the incident.
However, NCAA reiterated that the pilot-in-command has been barred from operating in Nigerian airspace, while the first officer has also been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
The authorities further stressed that the sanctions are precautionary measures aimed at ensuring aviation safety and preserving the integrity of the investigative process.
