Enugu Govt moves to redeem Akanu Ibiam International Airport

…as FG considers shut down

The Enugu State Government may have finally woken up to the reality that the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, pride of eastern Nigeria travelers, may be losing its appeal and international status if nothing is done to address the safety concerns that have dogged the airport.

Consequently, the state government has moved swiftly to arrest the potential air hazards in and around the airport, by approving the immediate closure of Orie Emene Market (abattoir inclusive) and immediate removal of all illegal structures encroaching on the land of the Airport, to forestall tragic air accident at the Airport.

The State Executive Council had on 12th October, 2018 approved funds for relocation of the State Broadcast Mast on the approach of the Run Way to Okpatu Hill (Ugwu Rerenkwu) in Udi Local Government Area, but the implementation of this project had been hampered by the disruptive activities of some youths in the community.

“Enugu State Government hereby directs immediate cessation of all hostilities against the project as any further interference will attract the full wrath of the Law given that Government has paid all the necessary compensation,” a statement by the commissioner for information, Ogbuagu Anikwe ordered.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has said that the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, will be down-graded from its international status to a local airport, following safety concerns from airlines.

Minister of State for Aviation, Mr. Hadi Sirika, who stated this at a stakeholders’ forum held in Lagos late yesterday said the government was also considering a temporary shutdown of the airport to address the safety challenges.

“We have issues with the Enugu Airport and we may downgrade Enugu Airport in terms of international status and I have discussed it with the Federal Government,” said Sirika.

Sirika listed the major challenges hampering the smooth operation of the airport to include the poor state of the airport runway, the presence of a state radio mast on the flight path of airlines that threatens the safety of incoming aircraft, the siting of a Free Trade Zone at the end of the runway, as well as incessant bird strikes affecting airlines and occasioned by the presence of an abattoir at proximity to the airport.

Sirika said he had held discussions with the Enugu state Governor, Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwanyi on the need to relocate the market, pull down the radio mast and relocate the Free Trade Zone in the interest of safety of aircraft and passengers.

“I am afraid that Enugu Airport might have to be closed down. I have told the governor that we have to move the market, FTZ, and take the radio mast away so that we can move in and fix things and clear the runway so that we can improve on safety and save lives,” he added. (RS/SUN NEWS)