The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the Permit for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF) of ten operators. These include Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd, Bli-Aviation Safety Services, Ferry Aviation Developments Ltd, and Matrix Energy Ltd.

Others are Marrietta Management Services Ltd, Worldwide Skypaths Services, Mattini Airline Services Ltd, Aero Lead Ltd, Sky Bird Air Ltd, and Ezuma Jets Ltd.

The suspension was due to a flagrant disregard of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4. This regulation forbids PNCF license holders from using their aircraft for the carriage of passengers, cargo, or mail for hire or reward.

The Apex regulatory agency, on April 16th, issued a 72-hour deadline directing all holders of PNCF to undergo re-evaluation, which concluded by the 19th of April 2024. The regulator’s action aims to identify and address airlines misusing private licenses for commercial purposes. It also plans to enhance general aviation safety and ensure regulatory compliance.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4 forbids holders of PNCF from using their aircraft for the carriage of passengers, cargo, or mail for hire or reward (commercial operation or charter services).

The NCAA further notified the public of the illegality of engaging PNCF holders for commercial purposes. It stated that it would not hesitate to initiate enforcement actions against any PNCF holder found guilty of illegal operations.

Consequently, NCAA officials have been deployed to General Aviation Terminals (GAT) and private wings of the airports to monitor the activities of the PNCF holders.