UPDATED: FG to shut Enugu airport over unsafe runway

Passengers to Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu may be in for a tough time as the federal government plans to shut the facility.

Minister of state Aviation Hadi Sirika revealed this while meeting with aviation professionals in Lagos.

Mr Sirika says federal government may have to downgrade or outrightly close Akanu Ibiam International airport to effect repairs on the runways to avoid major incidents there.

His reasons include Enugu state’s radio station’s mast at the runway, a close by market with an abattoir that attracts birds and a free trade at the edge of the runway. But some aviation professionals are not happy with pace of development in the sector.

They expect the government to have delivered on the roadmap which include: floating of a national carrier, establishment of MRO maintenance repair and overhaul facility,aviation leasing company, development of aerotropolis and agro allied terminals.

The minister also hinted that the federal government will spend N14 billion to rebuild Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos.
The minister explained that the terminal was constructed to accommodate 200,000 passengers but is currently handling 8 million.