Nigerian Aviation Authority Investigates Alleged Breach of International Aircraft Sanctions

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has initiated a probe into the unauthorized sale of two Nigerian-registered aircraft to Mahan Air, an Iranian airline under international sanctions.

The investigation comes after reports surfaced that Azman Air, a domestic carrier, allegedly transferred ownership of the planes without informing the NCAA, potentially violating both national regulations and international restrictions.

The aircraft in question—an Airbus A340-600 with registration number 5N-AAM and a Boeing 737-300 with registration number 5N-YSM—are said to be operating in Iran, with one spotted at Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport.

A report from the Middle East Forum suggests that Mahan Air facilitated the transfer under questionable circumstances, including flying through Iranian airspace with tracking systems deactivated.

In an official statement, NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu disclosed that the agency plans to engage Iran’s Civil Aviation Authority for clarity on the status of the aircraft.

“We are conducting a thorough investigation and will request official communication from our Iranian counterparts,”

He said.

Azman Air has faced operational struggles in recent years, including multiple suspensions of service. The airline has yet to respond to allegations regarding the sale, and efforts to reach its Chairman, Alhaji Abdulmunaf Sarina, were unsuccessful.

The reported aircraft transfer raises concerns over adherence to global sanctions on Iran, which restrict dealings involving aircraft to prevent their use for activities deemed contrary to international security. The U.S. Treasury Department has repeatedly highlighted measures taken by Iran to circumvent these sanctions.

The NCAA’s findings could have significant implications for Azman Air and broader aviation compliance in Nigeria.