THERE was a big deal at airports across the country as passengers refused to board a domestic carrier, Dana Air over reports by an Ibom Telegraph falsifying reports of a plane crash somewhere in Lagos.
Our reporter learnt that the media outfit had gone back to the 2013 crash to retell the same story as if it just happened therefore causing a panic in the aviation industry.
Eventually, the passengers’ fears were allayed at the falsity of the report and soon boarded the aircraft after the authorities and the airline came out to debunk the claims.
The report which had the same picture as the 2013 crash and was quoting former Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren was falsified as confirmed by air traffic controllers that nothing of the sort had happened today.
In a reaction, the airline also denied the report and there is wide rumour of a lawsuit to both media, although not confirmed by Dana Air.
The airline in its statement said, “Our attention has been drawn to a report insinuating that a Dana Air plane crashed somewhere in Lagos on Sunday, 11 December, 2016.”
“We wish to state unequivocally that the report is entirely false and malicious, as it carries pictures and report of the previous incident.”
“At Dana Air, the safety and comfort of our guests and crew is a major priority to us and we will continue to adhere strictly to all local and international regulations in the delivery of safe, reliable and world-class air transport.”
“We also regret any inconveniences this may have caused our teeming guests, and we assure them that the issue is being investigated.”
Also the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has discredited the claims stating that,” the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA)has debunked the rumours making the rounds on social media of the crash of an aircraft belonging to a particular airline in Nigeria. For the avoidance of doubt, the agency hereby wishes to state categorically that such rumours are baseless, unfounded and therefore not true. ”
“NAMA can authoritatively inform the Nigerian public that there is no missing aircraft whatsoever within the Nigerian Airspace. The agency therefore uses this opportunity to assure all Nigerians of the safety of the nation’s airspace as all necessary measures are being put in place to ensure seamless, efficient and safe flight operations in Nigeria.”
Experts have already started frowning at the report stating that it was sheer mischief and recklessness as the media outfit should know better than painting the industry in a terrible light.
