FG Bans American Pilot After Asaba Landing Incident

The Federal Government of Nigeria announced an outright ban on an American pilot from operating within Nigerian airspace after a serious violation of aviation regulations. The incident occurred on June 10, 2026, when a Bombardier Challenger 601, registered as N989BC, was reported to have landed on a road during construction in Asaba, Delta State, instead of at the airport.

The aircraft was managed by VMO Aero Limited, which claimed to oversee all details of private jet ownership and charter flight operations. Captain Chris Ona Najomo, the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), stated that the aircraft's ground operations permit has been suspended, and necessary actions will be enforced against the company involved.

Investigations are ongoing by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the U.S. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

The pilot has been suspended from flying in Nigerian airspace until the investigations are concluded.