Domestic flights to the Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu have now been diverted to Owerri Cargo Airport, following the Federal Aviation Authorities of Nigeria’s regulatory framework to shut down the airport for repairs of its runway and upgrade of its facility.
Ethiopia Airline flights are the only ones expected to use the airport before it finally shutdown today.
TVC News Correspondent Bamidele Ajayi reports that international airlines to Enugu will be diverted to Port Harcourt from Monday, while domestic flights to Enugu have been asked to use Owerri cargo airport from today.
Recall that the Federal Government through FAAN had issued a shutdown date of the Airport for today, for repairs and upgrade of the airport to international standard.
Passengers React
Meanwhile, Airline passengers have commended the Federal Government’s initiative on the closure of the Akanu Ibiam Airport, but request for an extension of time.
They said the notice for the closure of the airport is too short for proper adjustment to the shutdown, as the airport is the major hub in the South East Zone.
Reactions have started trailing the proposed shutdown of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, by the Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)
for rehabilitation of the runway and upgrade of the facility to its international status.
Passengers and shop owners at the airport praised the initiate, but urged the Federal Government to extend the shutdown date to enable them prepare ahead of the new date.
Passengers at the airport expressed mix-feelings over the development, said the idea is laudable, but need utmost seriousness to accommodate traveler’s plights in ensuring the time allotted to complete the projects are abridged to ameliorate the people’s suffering.
Udoye Favour and Chinyere Echegho are store owners at the airport, they blame their business low patronage, to the deplorable state of the airport
facility that put away bigger flights to patronise the Akanu Ibiam International Airport.
A shuttle driver at the Airport, though admit that the shutdown when completed will sure up their income, insist that government should ensure right
things are done to enable them have a conducive business atmosphere.
The Federal Government, through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, had notified airlines, passengers and stakeholders that the runway of the
airport would be closed for major repairs on August 24, residents of the South East though welcome the initiate but appeal for an extension of time
to accommodate demands that bothers on safety of passenger traveling from nearby airport to the South east.
Related posts:
Oyo Govt closes Shasha market indefinitely, imposes curfew
Lagos closes Airport bridge for structural assessment over tanker fire
Sanwo-Olu, China Airport Construction meet over Lekki Airport
FG cites illegal structures as reasons for non-operation at night in Enugu airport.
EFCC intercepts $2.8m at Enugu Airport
Enugu airport will be ready before Easter – Minister
Enugu: Reps asks FG to reopen Akanu Ibiam Int’l Airport
NDLEA intercepts businessman With cocaine At Enugu airport
