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Dana Air Crash: Flights Resume At PHIA …Stakeholders Call For Probe

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8 years ago

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The Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, last Wednesday re-opened for normal flight operations, following the temporary closure of the runway and the airspace by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), as a result of the near-crash incident that occurred on Tuesday.
Also, stakeholders and airport users have called on the Federal Government and the agencies in the aviation sector to beam their search light on the activities and operations of Dana Air following series of incidents that have befallen it in recent times.
The re-opening of the runway at the Port Harcourt Airport last Wednesday takes precedence over the initial statement that the runway had been closed for flight operations. The Tide last Wednesday observed that flight operations resumed at 9.00 am, when other airlines began to land and take-off from the airport, including those of Dana Air.
It was gathered that an accident investigation team from the Federal Ministry of Transport and an insurance team from Dana Airline were at the airport very early, Wednesday for inspection, before the runway was cleared and re-opened for operations.
However, efforts to reach the Dana Air Public Relations Officer, Mr. Kingsley Ofangba on phone was not successful, to get clarification from him on the state and position of their airline.
However, some airport users at the Port Harcourt Airport expressed gratitude to God Almighty that no life was lost as a result of the incident.
They also asked the Federal Government and the agencies in the aviation sector to checkmate the activities of Dana Airline, saying that several negative incidents had dogged the airline in recent times.
In his reaction, one of the regular air passengers, Mr Kenneth Barile said “why must it be Dana flight every time? Two weeks ago, it was the exit door that fell-off on landing at Abuja Airport and now it is overshooting of the runway in Port Harcourt”.
Former Attonery-General and Commissioner for Justice in Rivers State, Worgu Boms in his own reaction, thanked God for not allowing any life to be lost in the process, but also urged the operators of the airline to be more safety conscious.
Also, a security operative in the Department of State Services (DSS), who did not want his name published also wants the Dana Airline to be properly scrutinised before continuation of operations.
It would be recalled that the Dana flight from Abuja last Tuesday at 6.50pm veered-off the runway with 49 passengers and five crew members on board at the Port Harcourt airport.

 

Corlins Walter

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Aviation

Togo Govt Scraps It’s Visa Requirements For All African Countries

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1 month ago

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May 27, 2026

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The Togolese government has scrapped visa requirements for nationals of all African countries, effective May 18, 2026, meaning Nigerians with  valid passports can now enter the country without applying for  visa in advance.
African travellers can now stay in Togo visa-free for up to 30 days counting from May 18, 2026.
Visitors must still complete an online pre-arrival registration before entering the country.
The announcement came via the official X handle of Togo’s Ministry of Security, signed by the ministry’s head, Colonel Calixte Batossie Madjoulba.
Under the new policy, eligible African travellers can stay in Togo for up to 30 days without a visa, with the government describing the move as a commitment to Pan-African ideals and regional integration.
Government based the decision within a wider Pan-African agenda, stating that it reaffirms Togo’s attachment to “Pan-African ideals, continental solidarity, and community and African commitments, relating to mobility and regional integration.”
Togo also positioned the move as part of an agenda of “openness, modernisation, and attractiveness” aimed at making the country “a regional hub for services, business, culture, and human exchanges at the heart of Africa.”
There is, however, one step travellers cannot skip. Before arrival, visitors must register on the Togolese government’s official travel portal at voyage.gouv.tg at least 24 hours before reaching the border.
Nigerians can now travel to Togo without applying for a visa in advance.
The registration generates a travel slip that must be presented at entry points across land, air, and sea. The government has been clear that this pre-arrival formality remains mandatory regardless of the visa exemption.
Beyond the registration requirement, standard entry conditions still apply. Security checks, immigration screening, and public health requirements remain in place, and the waiver does not protect travellers who overstay or enter irregularly.
All border agencies have been directed to implement the new policy immediately.
Togo’s decision is part of a broader continental shift. Across Africa, more governments are moving to ease intra-African travel in alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area’s vision of freer movement of people and goods.
Togo is now among the more accessible West African destinations for Nigerian travellers, a short trip that previously required advance visa processing and now requires nothing more than a passport and a quick online registration the day before you fly.
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Egypt Flight Moves To Prevent Explosion —- Diverts London Flight To Rome 

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1 month ago

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May 27, 2026

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An EasyJet flight from Egypt to London was diverted to Rome after a passenger was found with a power bank in checked luggage.
The airline said the diversion was made as a safety precaution due to regulations surrounding lithium-ion batteries.
Passengers landed safely in Rome and were provided accommodation and refreshments after the delay.
The aircraft, operating flight EZY2618 from Hurghada to London Luton, made an unscheduled landing at Rome Fiumicino Airport last Tuesday evening as a precautionary safety measure.
According to the airline, the decision to divert was taken after a passenger informed cabin crew that the portable charger was inside luggage stored in the aircraft’s hold.
Although no fire or malfunction was reported, lithium-ion batteries found in power banks are considered a significant safety risk on aircraft due to the possibility of overheating or catching fire.
Flight tracking data showed the plane cruising at approximately 36,000 feet over the Adriatic Sea before suddenly changing course and heading towards Rome, where it landed safely about 20 minutes later.
Passengers reportedly disembarked without incident, while the flight was rescheduled for the following day.
In a statement, EasyJet apologised for the disruption and said the diversion was carried out in accordance with aviation safety regulations.
“The safety of passengers and crew is our highest priority,” the airline said, adding that hotel accommodation, meals, and refreshments were provided for affected travellers.
“EasyJet’s policies state that power banks are only permitted in cabin baggage and must not be stored in checked luggage.
The airline also prohibits passengers from using power banks to charge devices during flights.
The incident comes as airlines around the world continue tightening restrictions on portable chargers and lithium battery devices amid growing concerns over onboard fire hazards linked to overheating batteries.
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Delta At 20: Delta Airline Expands Travel Access Ahead 2026 World Cup

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1 month ago

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May 27, 2026

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Delta Air Lines has announced a range of travel solutions aimed at easing the journey for Ghanaian football fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the United States and North America.
The announcement was made during an event in Accra marking the airline’s 20th anniversary in Ghana, as company officials highlighted plans to work closely with local travel agencies to ensure that fans can access tickets and travel packages well in advance for the global tournament.
According to Delta’s Managing Director for International and Specialty Sales, Rob LeBel, the airline is introducing flexible options tailored to different travel needs.
These include individual ticket purchases, discounted group packages for parties of ten or more, and charter services for larger groups.
He explained that the collaboration with travel agencies would also focus on educating customers about the best ways to secure flights during the expected surge in demand.
To expand travel routes, Delta is leveraging its partnership with European carrier KLM, offering passengers alternative connections through Europe when direct routes are fully booked.
The airline believes the upcoming tournament presents a major opportunity to strengthen travel ties between Ghana and North America, particularly as interest among football fans continues to grow.
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