The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, August 5, involved a ValueJet flight whose pilot initiated departure procedures without receiving mandatory clearance from air traffic control. The unauthorized action reportedly endangered ground personnel and other airport users, drawing sharp criticism from regulatory authorities.

In a statement released on Tuesday, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, described the act as “reckless,” stating that it contravened both national civil aviation regulations and international safety standards.

“This is a clear breach of protocol that could have resulted in severe consequences,” Achimugu said. “The pilot’s decision to proceed without clearance not only violated operational procedures but also endangered lives.”

As a result, the NCAA has immediately suspended the licenses of the two pilots involved—Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba. The suspension will remain in effect pending the conclusion of a full investigation.

Achimugu reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to maintaining safety across all levels of aviation operations in Nigeria, stressing that regulatory compliance is non-negotiable.

“The NCAA will continue to enforce strict measures to ensure the safety of all stakeholders—passengers, crew, and ground staff alike,” he added.

Industry observers have commended the Authority’s swift response, describing it as a necessary step to reinforce discipline within the aviation sector.

This development marks another stern reminder of the critical role of protocol adherence in safeguarding lives and maintaining public confidence in air travel. Further updates are expected as investigations unfold.

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