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Tag: FAAN

  • FAAN distances self from Antelope, aircraft collision at Asaba airport

    FAAN distances self from Antelope, aircraft collision at Asaba airport

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says, Asaba Airport, location of the collision between an antelope and Air Peace Aircraft is not under its management.

    The FAAN Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah, made the clarification on Monday, via FAAN official X Account @FAAN_Official.

    “We will like to state that this incident did not occur at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, which is managed by FAAN

    “The incident happened at the privately managed Asaba Airport, which is owned by Delta State Government,” she said

    Orah frowned at some media reports which erroneously claimed that the incident occurred at the Abuja airport ‘

    “FAAN, urges the public and media outlets to verify information through official channels to prevent the spread of misinformation.

    “For accurate updates and information, please follow our official communication channels.Twitter: @FAAN_Official, Facebook: FAANOFFICIAL, Instagram: faan_official.

    “Website: www.faan.gov.ng , “ she said.

    The Director, on behalf of FAAN, sympathised with the parties involved in the collision.

    It would be recalled that an Air Peace aircraft was grounded on Sunday, at the Asaba International Airport in Delta State after it collided with a large antelope while taxiing on the runway.

    The impact was said to have decimated the animal and rendered the aircraft on the ground, causing flight disruptions.

    Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, had confirmed the incidence, via his official X account.

  • FG fixes date to reopen Enugu Airport

    FG fixes date to reopen Enugu Airport

    The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu will reopen for flight operations on April 28, following the completion of emergency runway repairs.

    The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Obiageli Orah, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

    Recall that on April 18, FAAN  announced the closure of the airport  for repairs due to a sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway.

    According to Orah, the work was scheduled to begin on April 22 and concluded before reopening on May 6.

    “However, rehabilitation works on the runway have been completed, and the runway is cleared for landings and takeoffs by the engineers working with FAAN.

    “FAAN appreciates all airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation during this time.

    “The Authority sincerely apologises for the inconvenience but assures the public that all actions were taken in the interest of safety,” Orah said.

    According to reports, faulty runway had caused airlines operating in the airport to either suspend operations or divert flights to nearby airports.

  • Aviation Minister sheds light on Enugu airport closure

    Aviation Minister sheds light on Enugu airport closure

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo has provided more information on the closure of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mr Keyamo made clarifications on the closure of the airport after the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced it on Saturday.

    The Aviation Minister confirmed that the closure is for two weeks, starting from April 22nd and that scheduled flight operations to Enugu will be diverted to other neighbouring airports.

    “We have been compelled to take this decision to close the runway of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, for two weeks starting from April 22nd, 2025, in order to carry out major repair works on it.

    “We sincerely apologise to Nigerians over this development as the airport is our major international gateway in the Southeastern part of Nigeria.

    TNG recalls that the Enugu airport runway was shut in August 2019 for one year and a contract for total rehabilitation was awarded.

    “I personally visited the airport some months after assuming office and expressed my total displeasure with the work done by the contractor,” Keyamo said.

    He added: “Unfortunately, when we came to office, we discovered that waterlogged part of the runway was not properly constructed to take care of the problem, leading to constant cracks and potholes on the runway.

    “These obviously put the lives of the travelling public at great risk. We have been carrying out constant palliative works on it, but the problem has not abated and the cracks on the runway are becoming craters”.

    Keyamo went further to say: “In the meantime, scheduled flight operations to Enugu will be diverted to other neighbouring airports.

    “We are going to work tirelessly to meet the timeline in order to mitigate the inconvenience this closure will cause the travelling public”.

  • BREAKING: FG shuts Enugu airport

    BREAKING: FG shuts Enugu airport

    The Federal Government, through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has  closed the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu for emergency runway repairs for two weeks.

    The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah disclosed this  in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.

    According to Orah, there is a sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway.

    She said that as a result, the emergency repairs would be conducted on the portion of the runway from April 22 to May 6.

    “In compliance with the Nigerian civil aviation regulations, FAAN has, therefore, closed the runway during this period.

    “As part of FAAN’s commitment to passenger safety and  modernisation of airport facilities, the runway will not be open for landings or takeoffs during the rehabilitation period.

    “FAAN appeals to all airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation during this time. All flights to this airport will be diverted to nearby airports.”

    “The authority apologises for the late and unexpected notice regarding the closure.”

    Domestic carriers like Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines have suspended flight operations to the airport due to the  poor state of the runway.

    In a  statement on Saturday, the Public Relations Officer of the  United Nigeria Airlines, Chibuike Uloka,  apologised for the disruption the development might have  on travel plans of  passengers this Easter.

    “As a result, we have rescheduled your flights for today, April 19, to operate to and from the Chinua Achebe Airport, Anambra,  should this be convenient for you.

    “Passengers willing to travel through Anambra Airport are kindly advised to be at the airport at the scheduled flight time,” he stated.

    Also, the Air Peace Head of Corporate Communications, Dr Ejike Ndiulo,  said  the suspension of flight operations into and from the airport, would afford FAAN the needed opportunity to effectively fix the runway.

    He said: “We regret to inform you that all flights scheduled to Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu are temporarily suspended due to safety concerns.

    “The situation of the Enugu runway has been causing major disruptions to Air Peace flights, hence the decision to temporarily suspend further flights into this airport until further notice.”

  • FAAN seals Ibadan airport for upgrade

    FAAN seals Ibadan airport for upgrade

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has announced the temporary closure of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, Oyo State.

    In a statement on Sunday, FAAN Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah the Federal Government had approved the closure.

    She said the closure was to facilitate extensive upgrade works to enhance infrastructure and operational standards.

    According to her, the move became necessary to enable the execution of critical improvements at the airport.

    The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the temporary closure of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport (SLAA), Ibadan, due to ongoing upgrade works,” the statement read.

    “As part of the Oyo State Government’s initiative to upgrade Ibadan Airport from a domestic to an international airport, various improvements and remodelling works are currently underway.”

    According to the statement, the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency has consequently closed the runway and suspended airport operations by the International Civil Aviation Organisation regulations.

    The upgrade was part of the state government’s move to transform the aerodrome into an international status.

    In compliance with aviation safety recommended standards and processes, the closure became imperative to ensure the safety of passengers as well as airport personnel,” FAAN added.

  • FAAN closes Lagos airport runway

    FAAN closes Lagos airport runway

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has  closed  Runway 18R/36L at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja  for rehabilitation.

    The closure started from 3.00 a.m. on Monday. It will end at 11.59 p.m. on Tuesday.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN, Mrs Obiageli Orah.

    According to Orah, the closure is due to ongoing rehabilitation work (asphalt phase) at the A2 Taxiwaylink of the runway.

    She said that it was  part of ongoing efforts to ensure that the runway would remain in optimal condition.

    “There will be no disruption to flight operations during this period as all flights would be redirected to the alternative runway, 18L/36R,” she said.

    She emphasised FAAN’s committment to the safety, security and comfort of airport users.

  • FAAN introduces explosive detection devices at MMIA

    FAAN introduces explosive detection devices at MMIA

    The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, says the authority has begun replacing security equipment and introducing explosive detection devices.

    Kuku made the disclosure during a tour of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, with the Chairman of FAAN Board of Directors, Mr Abdullah Ganduje, on Tuesday.

    According to Kuku, a lot of terminal rehabilitation works have started at he airport.

    “Look out for more in the coming months; large infrastructure development projects are what we are looking at, as well as something exciting at Lagos and Abuja airports.

    “I am sure that you have seen a lot of the renovation work that we are doing, especially those for passengers with disabilities,” she said.

    Kuku said that the authority did a lot on safety and security on the runway on the air side.

    “We are making sure of that in  collaboration with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.”

    She added that FAAN was embarking on  Kano and Port Harcourt airports recertification.

    On his part, Ganduje highlighted some of  challenges he observed during the tour, listing them to include abandonment of projects.

    He said: “Some equipment originally put in place are now obsolete according to modern technology, but FAAN management has designed a way in order to resolve such,” he added.

    He commended FAAN management for efforts to make Nigerian airports better.

    “My impression is that the agency is blessed with a competent managing director and directors.

    “I have seen signs of motivation, seriousness and achievement,” he said.

    Ganduje called for collaboration among federal aviation agencies with the aim of achieving the aims of President Bola Tinubu administration as regards aviation.

  • Several injured as FAAN gives update on emergency landing of U.S-bound plane

    Several injured as FAAN gives update on emergency landing of U.S-bound plane

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) rescue team safely deboarded 256 passengers from a U.S.-bound United Airlines plane which made emergency air return to Lagos on Friday.

    Confirming the air return,  the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN, Mrs Obiageli Orah, said all passengers and crew disembarked safely.

    She, however,  said that four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries while 27 passengers and five crew members had minor injuries.

    According to her, the United Airlines Boeing 787-800 departed Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, at 23.59 p.m. on Thursday, but made  air return and landed safely at 3.22 a.m. on Friday.

    “On board were 245 adults and 11 crew members.

    The team of Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Medical and Aviation Security were already at the gate when the aeroplane parked for deboarding at D31 without incident, and the door was opened at 3.37 a.m.

    “While all passengers and crew disembarked safely, four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries, and additional 27 passengers and five crew members had minor injuries.

    “The rescue team responded swiftly and effectively, having been on alert and standby.

    “Aviation medical ambulances transported the injured passengers, some to the MMA Clinic and others to the Headquarters Clinic,” she said.

    Orah also said that those with minor injuries received first aid and were discharged, while those with serious injuries were stabilised and transferred to the Duchess Hospital in Ikeja.

    She said that some passengers were taken to a hotel for accommodation, adding that the aircraft  did not sustain any major damage.

    “The authority will continue to provide updates,” she said.

  • I will resign if I see that things are not working – FAAN MD, Kuku

    I will resign if I see that things are not working – FAAN MD, Kuku

    The Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, has said she will resign from her position if things are not working out in the job.

    Kuku disclosed this while fielding aviation industry-based questions on Television Continental on Thursday evening.

    The FAAN MD who said she had stepped on toes and would step on more people’s toes although with caution, stated “If I am tired, I will get out of the job.

    “I have stepped on toes and I am still stepping on toes and I know that I need to do that with caution but definitely not at the jeopardy of the airport system.

    “If I have to, I will step down, I will resign if I see that it is not working but what is important is to make sure that I do what is right.”

    She also responded to criticisms that have greeted her claim that N580bn is required to fix obsolete runways across the country.

    Kuku who confirmed the barrage of critics questioning what FAAN needed such a humongous amount for, appealed to all who care to understand the need for the money to find out what it takes to take care of aviation infrastructures.

    She said, “I would like to clarify two things; First we have a number of runways in Nigeria today, we have mentioned to you that there are 22 airports that are owned by the Federal Government and we also support some that are state-owned.

    “I also made specific reference to airports with runways that have exceeded their lifespan. The average lifespan of a runway is about 20-25 years and a lot of our runways in Nigeria have actually exceeded that time. Meaning that we had them for 30 to over 35 years.

    “What it means is that we have to reconstruct those runways. The N580bn that I initially mentioned was for over 17 runways and it is not just runways but also includes some perimeter fencing and so on.

    “I have seen commentaries where people asked what we would be needing those monies for. Just look it up in Google to understand what it means to build runways, taxi expansion and all that is needed to be done.”

    While speaking on what she had done within her first 100 days in office, Kuku topped her achievement with the level of sanity that has been restored to Nigerian aerodromes in the last 90 days.

    “We have spent too much time talking about the decay and it is time for us to start fixing things and that is exactly what we are doing. And what is more critical is the continuity, meaning that wherever we stop, somebody needs to pick that up and that is the biggest challenge that we see. Because we have a new administration we tend not to complete or continue old projects.

    “Now to what we are doing; I think what to do is to block some immediate gaps which is what we have done. If you have been a traveller in the last 90 days, you will observe that the airports are cleaner and more friendly in terms of the atmosphere.”

  • FAAN makes worrying revelation about airport runways in Nigeria

    FAAN makes worrying revelation about airport runways in Nigeria

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has revealed some airport runways in the country have outlived their life span. This is especially worrying as a number of near-disaster have been recorded in some airports in the country.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of FAAN, who made the disclosure, said a whopping N580 billion is needed for the rehabilitation of airport runways across the country.

    Kuku made the remark during the tour of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) by the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr Kana Ibrahim on Wednesday.

    She explained that the life span of an airport runway was between 20 to 25 years and that most of the airports were built in 1978. She said that many of FAAN’s facilities, including terminals and runways, were aging and in need of significant repairs and upgrades.

    Kuku added that other challenges included aging infrastructure, obsolete equipment, land encroachment, security, financial constraints, and non-availability of befitting office complex among others.

    She said that the situation affected operational efficiency and safety, and necessitated substantial investment for modernisation.

    Kuku, however, disclosed that the authority generated N343 billion from January to November 2024 and remitted N128.7 billion into the federation’s coffers in 2024.

    The FAAN boss said that the authority aimed at increasing its revenue in 2025 by adopting innovative strategies to increase non-aeronautical revenue streams.

    She explained that the streams included commercial concessions, advertising, real estate development, and cargo operations. Kuku also hinted that FAAN would also focus on Public Private Partnership to expand investment opportunities and develop underutilised assets in 2025.

    According to her, FAAN will invest in state-of-the-art security systems, including biometric screening and advanced surveillance technologies to ensure compliance with global standards.

    “Staff training on aviation security and safety procedures will be intensified to address emerging challenges and risks in the industry. FAAN will upgrade and maintain e-procurement systems to reduce technical downtimes; we plan to align FAAN’s goals with National Aviation policies and international standards.

    FAAN will integrate environmentally sustainable practices into its operations, focusing on energy efficiency, waste management, and carbon emission reductions,” she said.

    Kuku also said that improving critical facilities at major international airports would be prioritised while regional airport capacity would be enhanced to meet growing passenger and cargo demands.

    In his speech, the permanent secretary commended the structural framework and leadership of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

    Ibrahim expressed confidence in the ongoing transformation within the aviation sector, commending the dexterity of Kuku in enhancing operational efficiency and service delivery.

    He, therefore, reaffirmed the ministry’s full support for FAAN in sustaining the momentum of development, while prioritising comprehensive trainings for personnel for sustainability .

    “The aviation sector demands constant innovation and expertise, I therefore, urge everyone to put on their thinking caps and contribute to improving the system.

    “Together, we can elevate Nigeria’s aviation industry to global standards,” he noted.

    Ibrahim, additionally, attributed the success recorded at FAAN to the visionary leadership of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN.