TheNewsGuru

Tag: Airport

  • Airline Operators suspend proposed strike, to discuss with FG

    Airline Operators suspend proposed strike, to discuss with FG

    Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has called off its planned withdrawal of services over astronomical rise in aviation fuel.

    This is contained in a statement jointly signed by the operators and made available to newsmen in Lagos on Sunday.

    The airlines said they would start fresh round of dialogue with government with the hope of reaching an amicable and lasting solution.

    The statement read, “Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) wishes to inform the general public that further to numerous calls from the highest echelons in government with promises to urgently intervene in the crises being faced by airlines due to the astronomic and continuously rising cost of JET A1.

    “That the AON has acceded to requests to withdraw the action for the time being while we allow for a fresh round of dialogue with government in the hope of reaching an amicable solution.

    “We have also reached this decision with the highest consideration for our esteemed customers who have been faced with uncertainty over the last few days and to enable them to have access to travel to their various destinations for the time being during the period of discussions with relevant authorities.

    “In view of the above and in the interest of national economy and security considerations, AON hereby wishes to notify the general public that the earlier announced shutdown of operations on May 9, 2022 is hereby suspended in good fate pending the outcome of hopefully fruitful engagement with government.”

    According to reports, the statement was signed by six members of the AON.

    This includes Alhaji Shehu Wada, Executive Director, Max Air; Dr Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines; Capt. Roy Ilegbodu, CEO, Arik Air; Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood, CEO, Aero Contractors; Alhaji Faisal Abdulmunaf, MD, Azman Air and Mr Allen Onyema, Chairman, Air Peace.

    See statement:

  • Untold story of how 200 bandits stormed Kaduna Int’l Airport

    Untold story of how 200 bandits stormed Kaduna Int’l Airport

    More revelations have emerged from last Saturday’s invasion of Kaduna International Airport by 200 bandits, as it was alleged that they went on the mission to revenge the taking of their cows by the military.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the invasion stopped two aircraft from flying and one security personnel of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) was shot in the head.

    It was gathered that the bandits were repelled by the military stationed at the airport, but they resurfaced around 1200am.

    According to an airport staff who spoke on anonymity, over 200 bandits stormed the airport around 12:00 am.

    He said they were speaking in Hausa, saying: “Zamu rufe airport ba jirgi da zai tashi”, translating to mean “We will shut down this airport, no aircraft will fly in and out”.

    In his words: “In fact, our staff resumed work this morning as usual. They worked around the runway from 5:00 am till around 12:00 pm.

    “Then, shortly after that, some NAMA staff went to check some of their equipment, then these people (bandits) appeared and started shooting.

    “The NAMA engineers scampered for safety, they could not even go and enter the vehicle that took them to the site. It was in the process that their security man was shot in the head”.

    He said the injured security man was taken to the hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival.

    “As I am talking to you now, the military is still battling those guys, and they are proving difficult to be repelled. Now, they have shut down the Airport,” the source added.

    TNG gathered that more military, security operatives were deployed to the Airport, for clearance operation using the Armoured Personnel Carrier.

    FAAN’s account:

    Meanwhile, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had provided more details of the attack and confirmed a staff member was killed by the assailants.

    The agency said a “group of bandits” attacked the Runway 05 axis but were repelled by security forces.

    It said normalcy has since been restored at the airport and security officials recovered two motorbikes abandoned by the bandits.

    The airport manager, Amina Salami, had earlier confirmed the attack, saying bandits invaded the airport through the perimeter fence from a nearby forest at about 1 p.m.

    She said a security guard who was patrolling the runway was shot by the assailants before soldiers, attracted by the sound of gunshots, responded.

    The attack delayed the takeoff of a Lagos-bound flight.

    Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said “I commended the security forces for their prompt response to the attack, and for repelling the attackers, and condoled with the family of the victim.”

    FAAN said in a statement on Twitter that a reinforcement team from the Nigerian Defence Academy was on ground to ensure safety and security of airport workers/users.

    “The Authority uses this opportunity to sympathise with the family and friends of the victim of this unfortunate incident,” the statement signed by Faithful Hope-Ivbaze, Ag. General Manager, Corporate Affairs, said.

  • All local aircratft are safe, we don’t have old ones – DG NCAA

    All local aircratft are safe, we don’t have old ones – DG NCAA

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on has assured air travellers that the country’s local aircraft are safe, insisting that they are not old.

    The NCAA Director-General, Capt. Musa Nuhu on Friday gave the assurance during the 46th Annual General Meeting of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) held in Kano.

    Nuhu said this was to debunk the belief of most air travellers that Nigerian local airlines only purchased old aircraft.

    He, however, advised aviation stakeholders across the country to focus more on working unanimously to take the industry to an enviable height.
    “All local aircratft are safe, we don’t have old ones,” he said.

    Nuhu disclosed that March 25 was a significant day in the aviation industry, being the 75th anniversary of KLM airline operations in Nigeria, as they introduced Kano-Amsterdem flight in 1947.

    He said that aviation began in Nigeria on Nov.1, 1925 when the first flight landed in the city of Kano, Nigeria.

    “So, today is the 96th year and 4 months anniversary of when aviation began in the country.

    “Aviation started in the city of Kano on Nov. 1, 1925, the first aircraft to ever land in Nigeria, a British airforce royal aircraft.

    “The Nigerian aviation industry has grown exponentially big but there is room for significant growth and improvement.

    “Some government policies being put in place should be made to complement the private sector in the Nigerian civil aviation industry.

    “We need understanding to work together, this is the reason we are coming up with quarterly stakeholders’ meetings so that people can open up on their challenges,” he said.

    Nuhu noted that currently, local airfares were truly expensive compared to other climes.

    He added that this could be addressed when there is a significant competition for the airlines.

    He noted that domestic airline operating international routes and offering good services should continue such, but with lower airfares while the foreign airlines would have no choice but to reduce their airfares too.

    “The international airlines will lower their airfares in order not to loose significant portion of the market, the issue is developing our airline to be able to fly various destinations,” he said.

    Nuhu spoke extensively on the benefits of the newly inaugurated airport terminal in Lagos, adding that this would go a long way in tackling the problem of congestion which had caused serious apprehension among passengers.

    He said NANTA’s challenges would be attended to , noting that the association comprised a significant portion of the aviation eco-system.

    “They contribute to the nation’s economy , so they must be protected to the best of the NCAA’s ability.

    “We will ensure we sit together with the International Air Transport Authority (IATA) to proffer solutions to the challenges of NANTA,” he said.

  • FEC approves N92.1bn to construct Abuja airport’s second runway

    FEC approves N92.1bn to construct Abuja airport’s second runway

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N92.1 billion for the construction of a second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    The Council’s approval came barely 24 hours after the inauguration of the new terminal building at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    At inauguration of the terminal, the president directed the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning to look for special funding for the construction of the Abuja second runway.

    The President also directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to conclude the documentation of the approved 12,000 hectares of land to accommodate the runway and other developmental projects.

    Addressing State House correspondents on the outcome of the Council’s meeting, presided over by President Buhari, on Wednesday in Abuja, the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, said the administration would use same pattern it had used to raise funding for all of its other projects across sectors to achieve the new task.

    According to him, the Abuja runway project is expected to be completed within the next 12 months.

  • Airline operators allege hijack of aviation fuel, worry over safety

    Airline operators allege hijack of aviation fuel, worry over safety

    Airline operators in Nigeria have alleged hijacked of aviation fuel by supply chain of the Jet A1 fuel, thereby driving up the price through artificial scarcity.

    The operators also expressed worry over the safety of airlines in Nigeria, adding that they were disturbed in the face of continuous hike in the price of aviation fuel.

    The operators said this during a hearing by the House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating the scarcity of aviation fuel.

    They said that operators were struggling to maintain their jets as fuel now took over 115 per cent of operation costs.

    Mr Allen Onyema, the CEO of Air Peace, said that within two weeks, price of aviation fuel moved from N190 per litre to N670 per litre.

    Onyema said the operators would have shut down operations if not for the political season and to support the current administration that had been supportive of the sector.

    He said that the operators could not survive the next 72 hours because they were indebted and risked takeover by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

    Mr Ugbugo Ukoha, Executive Director, Distribution System for Storage and Retailing Infrastructure in the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority however, claimed that the country had excess supply.

    According to him, Nigeria has excess supply of Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK); the regulatory authority is not sincere on the state of things in the sector.

    He said that the country had 34 days of fuel supply, hence, the report of scarcity is false.

    Onyema, while responding to the presentation by Ukoha, said he was surprised with the claim that fuel was in abundance.

    He said that operators had been sourcing the fuel from marketers at an exorbitant price.

    “To say that I am saddened by certain responses is playing it down. The product is not available, I am surprised that he, Ukoha, is saying there is sufficiency that will last for 34 days

    He urged the House to intervene to make the price of ATK sell for a minimum of N200 per litre.

    Rep. Idris Wase, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Reps who chaired the hearing, berated Ukoha, accusing him of being used to blackmail the government in a political season.

    He warned that no one would blackmail the government.

    “As a politician, I want to tell you that I am concerned, we are moving into an election period, nobody should blackmail our government,” he said.

    He noted that the surge in price was sequel to hoarding by marketers and negligence of the regulatory authorities to do their work.

    Wase also blamed the Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Babatunde Irukera, for not monitoring the activities of the ATK marketers.

    The Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Musa Nuhu, said the hike in the cost of jet fuel made the NCAA consider grounding some airlines from operating to avoid air mishaps.

    Mr Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said the request by the operators to reduce the price of ATK to N200 per litre would not be possible.

    He said that the current landing price of the product was above N400 per litre, adding that unless the country wished to start paying subsidy on the product.

    The committee however, urged Ukoha to provide the committee with the list of all licenced marketers to meet with the committee on March 14.

  • India suspends international flights till further notice

    India suspends international flights till further notice

    Commercial international flights to and from India shall remain suspended until further orders, officials said Monday.

    According to a circular issued by the country’s civil aviation Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday, the restriction shall not be applicable for international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA.

    “The competent authority has decided to extend the suspension of scheduled international commercial passenger services to and from India till further orders.

    “However, flights under air bubble arrangement will not be affected.”

    Commercial flights were suspended when the country imposed a complete nationwide lockdown late in March 2020 to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Domestic flights resumed operations in India on May 25, 2020, after nearly two months of suspension while international flights continue to remain suspended.

    Meanwhile, Indian authorities have been operating special international flights since May 2020 and under bilateral “air bubble” arrangements with select countries since July 2021.

  • BREAKING: Airport personnel slumps, dies in Abuja radar control room

    BREAKING: Airport personnel slumps, dies in Abuja radar control room

    Nigerian Airspace Management Agency ( NAMA) has announced the death of one of its Air Traffic Controllers (ATCO), Mr Aniekan Effiong, while on duty on Monday.

    Mr Khalid Emele, NAMA spokesman, confirmed the sad news in a statement in Lagos on Monday.

    Emele said that Effiong died on duty at the approach radar control site of NAMA Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON), Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    The ATC officer, until his death was an Assistant General Manager, Operations at NAMA.

    Emele, mourned the sudden death of the NAMA official, saying “he was a hardworking and dedicated staff who died at the prime of his career.

    “Effiong reported to duty at the Abuja Approach Radar Control (TRACON) on Nov. 21 at 6p.m. without any sign of illness whatsoever.

    “He was to close by 7a.m. the next day (Monday). However, at about 4 a.m. this morning, he experienced difficulty in breathing.

    “FAAN ambulance was called to evacuate him to the nearest medical facility.

    “He was immediately taken to the Air Force Base clinic where he died.

    “Effiong was a hardworking and dedicated staff who died at the prime of his career.

    “He will be missed by the entire NAMA community,” said the statement

  • Why we want passenger airport in Edo North – Shaibu

    Why we want passenger airport in Edo North – Shaibu

    Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu has explained the rational behind the ongoing efforts by the Federal and Edo State Government in ensuring a standard passenger airport in Edo North Senatorial District.

    According to him, “airports are important parts of economic infrastructure which significantly contribute to economic growth and overall development. When completed, the airport will fuel economic development in Edo North by attracting investors and promoting commerce due to massive raw materials naturally deposited in the district”.

    He maintained that Governor Godwin Obaseki administration is deliberate and methodical in ensuring that no economic potential is neglected but must be exploited by creating the enabling environment for investors to take over the driver seat through the provision of necessary infrastructure, like airport and other social amenities to enhance economic growth.

    The Deputy Governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Jimoh Ijegba Esq, said the decision to establish the airport in the location was taken by the State joint committee and the choice of Uzairue was unanimous due to the high presence of industrial and agro processing factories in the area with access to good road network. “Our decisions are always based on the economic value and benefits to our people.”

    The Chief of Staff said the “presence of officials from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) here today to inspect the project site is a confirmation of the effort of Governor Godwin Obaseki in spreading massive development across the state. After today’s inspection and all necessary approval secured, work on the Edo North airport will commence immediately”.

    While thanking the Governor for his vision, the ,monarch of the community, HRH the Ogieneni of Uzairue Kingdom, Alhaji Imonikhe Omogbai who was represented by Alhaji Baba Saliu Egele who is also the Chairman, Uzairue Community Development Association described the initiative as a welcome development, he assured both the federal and state government officials that the community will give the contractors the needed support and encouragement to ensure that the project is completed on record time.

    On their part, leader of the delegation from Abuja, Engr Clement Awogbami who addressed the media after tour said they are in the State to get soil samples and other raw data that will enable them evaluate the suitability or otherwise of the location.

    “From what we have seen here today, I don’t think there’s any hindrance or hazard that can stop the airport but based on our final findings we shall come out with our report,” Awogbami said.

  • Deadly attack on Kabul airport as Taliban reject extended evacuation

    Deadly attack on Kabul airport as Taliban reject extended evacuation

    An Afghan security officer was killed when members of the Afghan security forces and soldiers from Germany and the U.S. clashed with attackers at the north gate of Kabul airport.

    Three Afghan personnel were injured in the incident at 6:43 am (0213 GMT) on Monday, the German army tweeted.

    They were treated by Norwegian paramedics at the airport compound.

    The north entrance has two sets of gates: The outer ones are guarded by soldiers from the Afghan military, the inner ones by U.S. troops.

    It is not known who carried out the attack.

    On Sunday, the U.S. Government had expressed concern about a potential attack by the terrorist militia Islamic State at the airport or in the vicinity.

    The airport has seen tumultuous scenes in recent days as Western states evacuate their citizens and local Afghan staff in the wake of the Taliban militants taking over the country.

    Seven Afghan civilians had died amid the chaos around the airport, according to the British Ministry of Defence.

    The NGO Emergency, which operates a hospital in Kabul, said on Monday they had received 14 people with severe injuries since Saturday morning.

    Six people brought from the airport had bullet wounds, the group tweeted, adding that none was in life-threatening condition.

    Members of the opposition, journalists, human rights activists and local staff who worked for Western countries have feared acts of revenge from Afghanistan’s returned hard-line rulers.

    The international evacuations had gathered pace, with discussions under way involving the United States and its allies about keeping U.S. forces on the ground longer to enable more people to be flown out.

    The British state minister for the armed forces, James Heappey, said on Monday that Prime Minister Boris Johnson would request an extension to the U.S. troops’ mandate at emergency G7 talks on Tuesday.

    “I think everybody has to be clear that this is not just a discussion that happens between G7 leaders tomorrow.

    ‘’It is a discussion which happens with the Taliban, ’’Johnson said in his remarks to broadcaster Sky.

    A Taliban spokesman said however that the group
    would not agree to an extension of the evacuation mission.

    Speaking to British news channel Sky News on Monday, spokesman Suhail Shaheen said: “If the U.S. or UK were to seek additional time to continue evacuations the answer is no. Or there will be consequences.

    “It’s a red line U.S President Joe Biden announced that by Aug. 31, they will withdraw all their military forces. So, if they extend it that means they are extending occupation’’.

    Since taking power in the country on Aug.15, the Taliban has been slow to take over the day-to-day running of the country.

    The group has called on former government employees to continue doing their jobs.

    Negotiations with other political groups are under way to form a government.

    The Taliban was also focusing effort on taking control of the province of Panjshir, the only hold-out against the Islamists’ rule.

    Taliban fighters were gathering around the province even as the Taliban said they were seeking political solution.

  • Afghanistan: Five killed at Kabul airport during mass evacuation

    Afghanistan: Five killed at Kabul airport during mass evacuation

    At least five people were killed in Kabul airport as hundreds of people tried to forcibly enter planes leaving the Afghan capital.

    One witness said he had seen the bodies of five people being taken to a vehicle. Another witness said it was not clear whether the victims were killed by gunshots or in a stampede.

    U.S. troops, who are in charge of the airport, earlier fired in the air to scatter the crowd, a U.S. official revealed.

    Thousands of civilians desperate to flee Afghanistan thronged Kabul airport on Monday after the Taliban seized the capital, prompting the U.S. military to suspend evacuations as the United States came under mounting criticism at home over its pullout.

    Crowds converged on the airport seeking to escape, including some clinging to a U.S. military transport plane as it taxied on the runway, according to footage posted by a media company. Five people were killed in the chaos.

    The Taliban’s rapid conquest of Kabul follows the U.S. withdrawal of troops after 20 years of war that cost billions of dollars.

    President Joe Biden defended his decision to pull out, ending the United States’ longest war, arguing that Afghan forces had to fight back against the Islamist Taliban.

    But the speed at which Afghan cities fell in just days and the likely crackdowns on freedom of speech and women’s rights gained in 20 years have sparked angry criticism.

    “If President Biden truly has no regrets about his decision to withdraw, then he is disconnected from reality when it comes to Afghanistan,” a Twitter post from Republican Senator Lindsey Graham read.

    Republican Representative Jim Banks, a member of the House armed services committee, said on Fox News that Biden should explain his actions to the American people.

    “What was more shocking to me than the images coming out of Afghanistan is what’s happening right here at home,” he said.

    “We have never seen an American leader abdicate his responsibilities and leadership like Joe Biden has. He’s in hiding. The lights are on at the White House, but nobody’s home. Where is Joe Biden?”

    Jim Messina, a White House deputy chief of staff under former President Barack Obama, defended Biden’s move.

    “There’s been bipartisan consensus that it was time to get out of Afghanistan, Mike Pompeo, the former Secretary of State, said earlier this month he supported Biden’s plan, and we’ve been there 20 years. It’s America’s longest-running war, it is time to get out,” he said on Fox.

    “Why should American troops be fighting a civil war that Afghan troops this week refused to fight for themselves, it was time to get out.”