The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has revoked the Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) of Eastwind Aviation Logistics Services Limited and Omni-Blu Aviation, citing regulatory violations.
In a statement released on Friday, the aviation regulator said the move is part of efforts to sanitize the industry and ensure strict adherence to safety and operational standards.
“The Authority has determined that both Omni-Blu Aviation and Eastwind Aviation are in violation of Part 1.2.1.5 of Nig. Civil Aviation Regulations (CARs) on Falsification, Reproduction, or Alteration of applications, licences, certificates, logbooks, reports, or records,” the NCAA stated on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
The agency further explained that Part 1.2.1.5(b) of Nig. CARs prescribes revocation as the appropriate sanction for such violations. Consequently, the AOCs of the two airlines—OBA/AOC/12-15/002 (Omni-Blu Aviation) and EAL/AOC/03-24/001 (Eastwind Aviation)—have been permanently revoked.
Recent Aviation Incidents Raise Safety Concerns
The regulatory crackdown follows a series of incidents within the Nigerian aviation sector.
In October 2024, an Eastwind Aviation helicopter carrying eight passengers crash-landed in the Atlantic Ocean. The accident resulted in seven fatalities, with only one survivor.
Additionally, Max Air recently suspended operations for three months after one of its aircraft crash-landed at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport due to a landing gear failure.
The NCAA noted that Max Air’s temporary suspension would allow for a comprehensive review of its internal operations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
With the latest enforcement action, the NCAA reaffirms its commitment to strengthening oversight and ensuring safety compliance across Nigeria’s aviation sector.
