Azman Air has firmly denied reports alleging that it sold or smuggled its aircraft to Iran, rejecting the claims as unfounded. A central point in the airline’s response addresses concerns about international sanctions on Iran. Azman Air has asserted that there are no sanctions between Nigeria and Iran regarding aviation services. In fact, economic treaties signed by D8 countries—including Nigeria, Iran, and several others—facilitate free trade on aviation services and products between these nations. This the airline further states underscores that its actions were entirely within the bounds of international aviation law. Azman Air’s management unequivocally rejected any suggestions of wrongdoing, affirming that the airline has neither sold nor smuggled its aircraft.
The controversy surrounding the airline began with reports claiming that its two aircraft—an Airbus A340-600 (5N-AAM) and a Boeing 737-300 (5N-YSM)—were sold to Mahan Air, Iran’s largest airline, without following due process. These allegations gained traction when it was reported that the aircraft’s crew turned off the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) transponder while flying in Iranian airspace. The aircraft reportedly landed at Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport, fueling further rumors. However, Azman Air has strongly denied these accusations, maintaining that the aircraft were sent to Iran for scheduled C-Checks, a standard maintenance procedure required by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). READ ALSO: Azman Air’s N1.2bn PSC debt, documentation reason NCAA withholding ATL
Muhammad Hadi AbdulManaf, Azman Air’s Accountable Manager, expressed surprise at the false allegations, noting that the routine maintenance of the aircraft had been carried out in full compliance with NCAA regulations. He stressed that no aircraft had been sold or deregistered, and that the NCAA had not received any documents or communications from Azman regarding such a sale.
Regarding the alleged transponder issue, the airline explained that the transponder had developed a fault during the flight, a matter that was duly logged in the aircraft’s technical log and submitted to the NCAA for further review. Azman Air has also reached out to the Civil Aviation Authority of Iran (CAA) to clarify the matter, as the incident took place outside Nigerian jurisdiction.
In conclusion, Azman Air says it has consistently followed all relevant aviation guidelines and regulations. The airline remains committed to transparency and is prepared to pursue legal action against those spreading these unfounded claims. Investigations into the matter are ongoing, and Azman Air urges the public to await the final outcome.
