The Managing Director of Afri Jet Airlines, Mohammed Tukur, has kicked against the recent call by the Federal Government for a comprehensive safety audit of Dana Air.

Tukur argued that such audit would create fears among air travellers in the country.

Tukur, who is also a former Deputy Secretary General of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, said this might adversely affect the industry, already struggling to survive.

The Federal Government recently ordered a complete audit of Dana’s operations following two incidents involving the airline.

Tukur said rather than singled out one airline for audit, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority should audit all local airlines in the country to ensure their operations were safe.

He said, “Airline business all over the world and its regulations are the same and never have we heard of legislators anywhere calling for the audit of an airline even in the event of the worst crash like the Malaysian air disaster that happened four years ago.

“As an industry stakeholder, my concern is that we should not at this time create unnecessary panic for ourselves more so now the economy is gradually picking up and coupled with the fact that the Airport Council International Conference is billed for next month in Nigeria.”

He said the government had acted in ignorance, which amounted to a breach of international civil aviation regulations, and undermining the autonomy of the NCAA.