In an effort to promote flight safety at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has join hands with the State Government to address the menace of airport encroachment.
Managing Director FAAN, Captain Hamisu Yadudu during a joint facilities inspection visit to the airport by the Management of FAAN and the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, expressed gratitude to the Governor for his swift response to this issue.
It would be recalled that the immediate past Minister of state aviation Senator Hadi Sirika at a stakeholders meeting in Lagos said the Enugu Airport would be downgraded and shut down to effect repairs on the runway.
He said the runway was in a deplorable condition and a threat to safe flight operations at the airport.
In a swift reaction, the state government ordered the immediate removal and relocation of the radio mast, free trade zone and market around the airport runway.
Captain Yadudu said the directive for the demolition of all illegal structures on the airport after a week’s notice of evacuation was commendable.
He noted that human habitation within the airport’s airfield was a safety concern to the Authority because of the heavy equipment that moves within the environment.
After the inspection, the FAAN boss, held a town hall meeting with staff of the airport assuring them of Management’s commitment to improved facilities and infrastructure, added that the a Authority would continue to ensure safe and secured airports in Nigeria.
