The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN has given a directive that any airline that flies Kwam1 stands the risk of losing its operational license.
TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports, Keyamo made this revelation via his verified X.com handle on Thursday.
Hear Keyamo:
“I have received reports from all the relevant Aviation agencies regarding the altercation
between the staff and crew of ValueJet and Kwam 1 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International
Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday, August 7, 2025.
“I have also received video footages of the incident.
From all the details so far received, my preliminary impression is that it was obviously a case of temporary loss of sanity and control on
both sides which could have led to serious fatalities.
“Contrary to what the agents of Kwam 1 has said, he CONSTANTLY moved his position on the
tarmac to ACTUALLY BLOCK the aircraft from taxiing to take position on the runway for take-
off.
“This is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE behaviour. The issue of whether he was carrying water or alcohol is not even an issue at this point. It is the
physical blockage of the aircraft from taxiing that is the reprehensible conduct here which akin to a hostage situation. The actual video footage showing this recalcitrant behaviour is hereby
attached.
“On the other hand, NO AMOUNT of provocation should make the Captain and Pilot of an aircraft
begin to taxi without ensuring that the security. personnel have safely moved an unruly passenger away that is standing in front of an
aircraft.
” On the other hand, NO AMOUNT of provocation should make the Captain and Pilot of an aircraft
begin to taxi without ensuring that the security personnel have safely moved an unruly
passenger away that is standing in front of anaircraft.
He further explaned that: “Both sides breached standard SAFETY
PROTOCOL as required by the INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION (ICAO).
“I have noted that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has temporarily suspended the
license of the Captain and the Pilot pending full investigation. I commend them for their proactive
action.
“However, I have also questioned their sense of justice in only acting against one party and not the other party. What applies to the
goose must also to the gander. That is one of the
tenets of Justice I have preached all my life.
“I will not sit idly by and allow this to pass. IN THE CIRCUMSTANCE, I HAVE ALSO DIRECTED THE NCAA TO PLACE KWAM 1 on a
NO-FLY list pending further and full investigation, just like the Captain and Pilot. ALL AIRLINES,
both domestic and International should IMMEDIATELY be informed of this directive and anyone who flouts this directive risk withdrawal
of their operating licence.