The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has debunked media report claiming that an Azman aircraft from Kano enroute Abuja almost ran out of fuel while “hovering in the air” (more appropriately, “held in the air”) for over an hour as it was prevented from landing.
The agency’s spokesman, Mr. Khalid Emele also described as false that the pilot contemplated returning to Kano before passengers prevailed on him to land without clearance from the control tower.
According to him,”We are constrained to set the records straight and put things in proper perspective for the benefit of the flying public. The Nigerian Airforce is currently practising for their display on 1st October and an airspace was designated for them. All civil aircraft are held at a distance of about 20 – 30 nautical miles as military aircraft take off or land. The said Azman aircraft was held along with other aircraft in the course of separating traffic to ensure that the aircraft and their passengers land safely”.
“It is noteworthy to state that the Azman pilot did not declare any emergency. He was eventually given clearance by air traffic control to land when it was safe to do so”, he concluded.
The NAMA assured the public of the safety of the Nigerian airspace.
