Dana Air again?
Yes . That was the the reaction of a friend to this reporter when he informed him that he would be flying to Abuja from Lagos with Dana Air .And sincerely , no sensible person who knew the anguish , agony, sorrow and gnashing of teeth which the ill - fated Dana Air which crash landed sometimes ago brought to many homes in Nigeria , will advise his friend to dare flying its plane.
In fact , because of the crash , many believe that Dana Air should be proscribed from flying or doing business in Nigeria again .
Even when the ban on its operations was lifted due to many considerations ,some people were and are still of the opinion that the government was too hasty in its decision considering the fact that some of families who were affected by the crash are still waiting to be paid the necessary compensation. .
But the popular adage says decapitation is not the answer for a head ache as many Nigerians depend on Dana air for sustenance . Dana is said to have over 500 employees on its pay roll and many financial obligations to fulfill.
Banning or scrapping of Dana Air can never be a solution rather it will worsening its financial situation and weakening its capacity to be able to fulfill all its indebtedness .
However , since Dana Air came back to the tarmac , passengers have been wearied and scared of flying its fleet and some who dare it now do it with powerful prayers and half hardheartedly as the memory of the crash has continued to hunt the company .
In honesty , it was a " dangerous adventure" which seemed to have propelled Alarinka Agbaye in buying Dana Air ticket which cost 20 thousand and three hundred naira - a one way ticket to Abuja from Lagos while there were other lesser offers .
As the Pilot announced the take - off , the plane taxied perfectly and ascended the air without the passengers having any feeling of its leaping into the air .
The craft ,neat , clean and cozy , while the delectable hostess were flashing their teeth with assuring smiles and warmth as they harkened to the bells and calls of passengers who they entertained with their choice of drinks and pastries.
Throughout the 1 hour 10 minutes which the plane was airborne , there was never a moment of panicking and the few places it ran into rough clouds , the pilot displayed his mastery of his flight lessons .
This writer was surprised that many people on board were even sleeping and slumbering !
As the pilot announced the process of descending, the writer held his breath thinking .......but at last it was smooth , smooth , smooth landing .
A co - passenger who had taken a notice of this writer's fidgeting inside the plane tapped his shoulder on transist to the Arrival Hall inside the Coach and said " I watched you throughout that flight . You actually flew that plane with your heart on your hand . My brother , nobody or any organization is perfect or above mistake . Dana Air is one of the best airlines in Nigeria . And as you have experienced the flight you had a feel of it and with that now, what can you say about Dana Air ?
" In honesty , I was not comfortable throughout that flight . I was not .But as it is now , I don't think there is anything strange or abnormal in flying Dana plane . The service on board was good . The pilot was good and . Dana Air again? , Of course , I will fly Dana Air again " responded this writer.
.
