By Itohan Abara-Laserian
Air Peace and United Airlines have suspended flights to Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu following closure of the facility for urgent repairs of the runway by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
FAAN said in a statement on Saturday that it closed the Enugu Airport to be able to undertake emergency repairs of the runway for two weeks.
According to FAAN, there was a sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway, thus requiring the emergency repairs that would be conducted on the portion of the runway from April 22 to May 6.
This was disclosed in a statement by Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.
“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.”
Already, 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, apologized 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.” (NAN)
