Chris Najomo, Acting Director General of the NCAA, announced the suspension of the three private operators in a riot act read to all airlines via X on Tuesday.

According to the Najomo, the sanctioned jet operators have violated the terms of their permits by using their jets for commercial purposes.

The NCAA boss said the Minister Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had in 2023, issued a directive for the cessation of the use of private jets for commercial purposes, pointing out that the errant operators continued in such illegal act.

Najomo stated: “Subsequently, in March 2024, the NCAA had issued a stern warning to holders of the permit for non commercial flights, PNCF, against engaging in the carriage of passenger cargo or mail for hire and rewards.”

The statement added: “As a consequence of this heightened surveillance, no fewer than three private operators have been found to be involved in violation of the annexure provision of their PNCF and Part 9114 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023.

“This riot act is also directed at existing Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders, who utilize aircraft listed on their PNCF for commercial charter operations.

“It must be emphasized that only aircraft listed in the Operation Specifications of the AOC are authorized to be used in the provision of such charter services. Any of those AOC holders who wish to use the aircraft for charter operations must apply to the NCAA to delist the affected aircraft from the PNCF and include it into the AOC operations specification.

“NCAA wishes to reiterate to the travelling public not to patronize any airline charter operator who does not hold a valid Air Operators Certificate issued by the NCAA, when they wish to procure charter operations services.

“Finally, NCAA encourages the legitimate players in the aviation industry to report the activity of such unscrupulous elements to the authority promptly for necessary action.”