No Plans to Close Enugu International Airport-NCAA

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said that the status of Akanu Ibiam airport international stands and its role in civil aviation is regulatory.

The federal government of Nigeria controls policy which it exercises and directs by its prerogative, and generally in aviation matters through federal ministry of aviation.

The NCAA’s standards with respect to airport, aircraft, passenger and operational safety, security and experience are primary and not necessarily determined by designation of an airport as international or domestic.

A statement by Mr Fan Ndubuoke, general manager Public Affairs, said the relevance of such designation was only to the extent of the nature of equipment, traffic, security and uniform safety concerns.

Ndubuoke further said, “In any case an airport being gazette is not one of NCAA’s considerations with respect to safety, security or passenger comfort and experience".

He noted that it was entirely false and preposterous to insinuate that gazzetting constitutes a factor in NCAA technical analysis and certifications.

“The Akanu Ibiam international Airport, Enugu having complied with all the requirements, is permitted to receive, and embark internationally bound aircrafts and passengers. The facilities and facilitation of passengers, crew and goods in international travel at the airport comply with globally accepted safety and security standards”.

Explaining further, he said other relevant agencies such as immigration, customs and NDLEA were satisfied with the airport and facilities for the purpose of carrying out their statutory duties adding that airlines and aircraft operating international flights to the airport have also conducted their necessary inspections.