The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has provided clarification following the recent decision by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to delist Nigeria from its prestigious Category One status under the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program. In a statement shared on its official X handle, the NCAA addressed the reasons behind this significant downgrade.
The NCAA explained that Nigeria’s removal from the Category One list was primarily due to the absence of Nigerian airlines operating direct flights to the United States for the past two years. This lack of direct service effectively led to the downgrading of the country’s aviation safety status, as the Category One rating is closely linked to the consistent operation of flights between Nigeria and the U.S.
“JUST IN: The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority confirms that the United States Federal Aviation Administration has delisted Nigeria from Category One Status under the International Aviation Safety Assessment program,” the NCAA announced. “The delisting is due to the non-operation of direct routes by Nigerian airlines to the United States for over two years.”
This development is a significant blow to Nigeria’s aviation industry, as the Category One status not only symbolizes adherence to high international safety standards but also facilitates easier access for Nigerian carriers to operate in the U.S. market. The NCAA’s statement hints at the broader implications of this downgrade, which could affect the country’s aviation reputation and future airline operations.
As the NCAA works to address the factors that led to the downgrade, stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation sector are urged to rally together to restore the country’s standing in global aviation. The authority’s response underscores the importance of maintaining consistent international flight operations to uphold Nigeria’s position in the highly competitive global aviation industry.
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