Akanu Ibiam International Airport, big market for international flights

chika ebuzor

September 16, 2015 7:39 AM

The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, has proven to be a huge market for international flights.

Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

The Airport Manager, Mr Mgbemena Ojiako, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Enugu.

Mgbemena said Ethiopian Airline was the only one currently operating on the international wing of the airport but that efforts were ongoing to attract more airlines.

He said that the Federal Government had been held talks with some airlines from Turkey, adding that the agreement between the two countries would soon be firmed up.

“Akanu Ibiam International Airport, just like others, is a good market that will attract first class international airlines. We hope that soon, the number of airlines here will be increase.”

On the absence of evening flights, Mgbemena said that facilities at the airport were adequate to support night flights, adding that the flow of passengers determined the timing of flights.

The manager, however, said that the airport could be used as an alternative for airlines to land during bad weather.

He said that the runway was completely lit, adding that operations at the airport were not time bound as passengers used the complex any time they chose.

Mgbemena said that the cargo section of the airport was not ready for use, but gave assurance that all necessary facilities would soon be provided.

The manager commended the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) for the construction of warehouses for cargo storage at the airport.

NAN reports that Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State will on Thursday inaugurate the export and import warehouses.

NAN recalls that the airport was upgraded to international standard in 2013 to serve the South-East zone.

chika ebuzor