Category: Aviation

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, Enugu State, will reopen for flight operations on Monday, 28th April 2025, following the completion of emergency runway repairs. On April 18th, 2025, FAAN had announced that due to a sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway, the runway would be shut down for emergency repairs. The work was scheduled to begin on April 22nd and conclude before reopening on May 6th, 2025. FAAN’s Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah says “rehabilitation works on the runway have been completed, and the runway is cleared for landings and takeoffs by the engineers working with FAAN. FAAN appreciates all airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation during this time. The Authority sincerely apologizes for the inconvenience but assures the public that all actions were taken in the interest of safety.”

CHUKS OKOH Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), has reiterated its unwavering zero tolerance policy against any form of violence within the terminal premises, particularly against personnel discharging their lawful duties. According Mrs Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi,  head, Corporate Communications Department Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited in a statement, there was an incident last Sunday, when a disturbance broke out at the check-in counter of one of the airlines operating from MMA2. Olawuyi said the disruption stemmed from passenger agitation over issues reportedly linked to a system error. While efforts were being made to calm the situation and facilitate a smooth resolution, an Aviation Security (AVSEC) officer on duty was physically assaulted by a male passenger. She recalled that the regrettable incident mirrors a similar occurrence in December 2024, where another staff member was also assaulted while on duty which BASL strongly condemned these acts and emphasized that violence against any staff member or service provider at MMA2 will not be condoned under any circumstances. “The matter was immediately escalated, and the offending passenger has since been handed over to the police for further investigation and necessary legal action. BASL will continue to follow up on the case to ensure justice is served. “We are deeply concerned by the recurrence of such attacks on our personnel and will not hesitate to take decisive action to protect all individuals who work at MMA2,” said Olawuyi, “All passengers and terminal users are expected to resolve grievances through lawful and respectful means. Our staff are here to assist and must be treated with dignity.” BASL remains committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and secure environment for all terminal users and will continue working closely with the appropriate authorities to enforce its zero-tolerance stance on violence.

CHUKS OKOH Two newly trained Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) pilots for its flight calibration aircraft have been presented to the Managing Director of the agency in Abuja. This is a bid to develop the capacity of the flight calibration unit of  NAMA after the agency took over the calibration aircraft from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority Speaking shortly before the presentation of the pilots to the NAMA boss, the general manager incharge of flight calibration services, Engr Selzing Miri said, the agency was in dire need of having its own pilots to man their aircraft for future uses Miri explained that two NAMA staff were pilots already were sent to Dubai for a type rating training on the King Air 350i aircraft used for the flight calibration exercise He noted that the NAMA Boss, Engineer Umar Farouk has been so passionate in developing the unit without hesitating to see the young pilots being trained adding that he has given the assurance of support in developing them to full fledged calibration pilots Miri, who is also the president of the National Association of Air Traffic Engineers, said, the process of developing the calibration unit began in 2019 under former minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika when the training started in order to build capacity to keep the Navigational facility current He said it will a continuous process until the country’s flight calibration becomes fully functional with extended to neighbouring countries and beyond. “The flight calibration unit comprises of pilots, aircraft engineers and flight inspectors while flight inspectors training is already advanced and preparing for checking out by their foreign partners soon” According Miri, with the checking out of the flight calibration crew, the country is gradually moving towards attaining the capacity of rendering services not only to Nigeria but outside the country to those deserving the calibration with NAMA having all the requirements

CHUKS OKOH, Following the diversion of flights from Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu, to the Chinua Achebe International Cargo Airport in Umueri, the management of the airport says they are leaving no stone unturned to ensure seamless operations The Managing Director and chief executive officer of the Anambra State owned airport, Mr. Martins Nwafor in an interview, said all necessary arrangements were being made to receive diverted flights from Enugu Airport, which is set to undergo runway repairs. Mr Nwafor, expressed confidence in the airport’s preparedness to handle the increased traffic. According to Mr. Nwafor, the airport has been handling flights, particularly during peak seasons, and has the necessary infrastructure to accommodate more flights. He said, the airport has already commenced discussions with airlines, including United Nigeria and Air Peace, to ensure a seamless transition of diverted flights. In terms of infrastructure, the airport boasts a 3.7-kilometer-long runway, suitable for Boeing 748-800 series aircraft, as well as a well-calibrated instrument landing system and ICAO facilitation standards. The airport’s terminal building is designed to accommodate 400 passengers, with a departure hall and arrival hall capable of handling 400 and 600 passengers, respectively. To ensure passenger comfort, the airport is taking measures to enhance its facilities, including the provision of air conditioning, cooling systems, and buses to transport passengers to and from the airport. The airport is also offering incentives to airlines, including free office space and joint advertising initiatives. On the issue of security, Mr. Nwafor assured that the airport has a perimeter fence, as well as a team of 45 policemen and civil defense personnel, supplemented by 23 vigilante team members. The airport also has an agreement with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to provide aviation security and fire and rescue services. The airport, which was inaugurated in October 2021 and began commercial operations on December 7, 2021, has already handled over 450,000 passengers and 7,000 flights. With a staff strength of 180, plus an additional 70 FAAN personnel, the airport is poised to play a significant role in the region’s aviation industry. As the airport prepares to receive diverted flights, Mr. Nwafor expressed optimism about the opportunity, stating that the airport is “fully prepared” to handle the increased traffic.

CHUKS OKOH   The Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) has condemned the lukewarm attitude of the management of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) over the plights of workers in the organisation by nor heeding to the demand of the aviation unions In an exclusive interview with the General Secretary of ANAP, Comrade AbdulRasaq Saidu, the unions are out for NiMet and will ensure that necessary action was taken against NiMet Saidu condemned the non training and payment of staff by the agency as regrettable, querying the proceeds from the internally generated revenue from other sectors being collected by NiMet “IGR they are seeing from Agric, Marine, waterways and aviation, what are they doing with them. You don’t pay salaries, IPPIS pays salaries of staff” Saidu said there will loggerheads with NiMet over the issue adding that the agency was capable of paying workers salaries. He challenged the NiMet management to declare their IGR adding that there was no proper account of the IGR. Meanwhile, three aviation unions have earlier written to the management of NiMet on the poor handling of the issue of Condition of Service (CoS), 2019 minimum wage payment and the continuous staff training, among other demands for the agency’s workers. The unions; National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) and Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), through a letter dated April 10, 2025 and jointly signed by their Generals-Secretary, accused the NiMet management of reneging on their earlier agreement with the unions. The Generals-Secretary were Comrades Ocheme Aba, NUATE; Abdul Rasaq Saidu, ANAP and Sikiru Waheed. According to the unions, the management had failed to implement any of the agreements it reached with the workers on January 28, 2025, adding that the management had also failed to negotiate with the unions on the issues raised. The unions confirmed that the management had forwarded to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development for processing, but suspected foul play, alleging that despite persistent requests, the management had refused to release copies of the document due to the unions as signatories to the same document. The unions gave the Nimet’s management till Wednesday, April 16, 2025 to implement all aspects of the agreement, warning that failure to assent to the demands would lead to strike without further notice. The management of NiMet on the other hand declared that they were issues that needed the interventions of other government agencies, stressing that most of the cases were awaiting responses or approvals.

CHUKWUEMEKE  IWELUNMO, Air Peace has elevated two of its accomplished Senior First Officers (SFOs), Obinna Okeke and Adedamola Adeoye to the rank of Captain on its Boeing 737 fleet.   The ceremony took place at the airline’s corporate headquarters in Lagos and was graced by the Chairman and CEO, Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, the Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide; the Director of Flight Operations, Capt. Augustin Kamano. Others include, Embraer E195-E2 Captain, Callistus Ifeanyi, and family members of the newly promoted Captains. Captain Kamano gave the story of their  journeys, emphasizing their dedication, exceptional performance, and the rigorous training they undertook to qualify for the Captaincy. He noted that both pilots had logged over 4,000 hours on the Boeing 737, a clear indication of their experience, technical skill, and readiness for this significant leap. The ceremonial decoration followed, with the Chairman and COO jointly donning the epaulettes on both officers, symbolizing their transition from First Officers to Captains. Captain Adedamola Adeoye, who joined Air Peace from flight school in 2016, and Captain Obinna Okeke, who joined in 2018, described the moment as the most defining day of their careers. They expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chairman, their trainers, and the entire management team, stating that this achievement marked the realization of their flight school dreams. In his congratulatory address, Dr. Onyema praised the captains for reaching this major career milestone and commended their trainers for the crucial role they played in shaping disciplined and safety-conscious aviators. He underscored Air Peace’s firm stance on safety, reiterating that the airline values sound judgment over bravado. “In Air Peace, we don’t need overzealous decisions. We don’t need heroes. We need you alive,” Dr. Onyema said. “Your friends and families need you alive, so don’t go into dangerous areas just to be known as a hero. Stick to the operational procedures and always follow through with your safety manuals.” He also challenged the new Captains to aspire for more beyond the cockpit. “The sky is not your limit, it’s your foundation. You must think ahead and work with a sense of purpose, not just for the airline, but for your families and for the greater good of Nigeria.” Onyema offered his best wishes for their journeys ahead and encouraged them to lead with character and conviction, remaining true to the values that define Air Peace. With this elevation, Air Peace reinforces its reputation as a pilot-centric airline, one that not only connects cities but also builds careers and empowers dreams to soar.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) branch of the Federal Parastatal and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria, (FEEPPPA), has called on the federal government to equip officers of the Aviation Security (AVSEC) with arms to ensure adequate protection and ward off external forces to the airport Reacting to the recent manhandling of the Director of Aviation security by men of the Nigeria Customs at the cargo section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, the Secretary of FEPPPA, Comrade Emeka Njoku, explained that a situation where paramilitary agencies assault and humiliate government officials as a result of bearing arms was unacceptable Njoku said, the squabbles between agencies at the airports will reduce when every agencies are fortified with arms adding, that the ugly incident between FAAN director and Customs officers would not have occurred. He recalled that the former minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika initiated the idea of AVSEC bearing arms and was approved by the then president following which funds were allocated for training of officers to carry arms Njoku noted that that first and second batch of AVSEC have gone for trainings and back and called for more trainings of others in order to acquire the knowledge of the usage of arms “We are still insisting that, the trainings should continue because if he was armed, the Director would not have been harassed.When they notice that all of us are carrying arms, they will rese noted that they were regulations guiding the use of fire arms adding that the issue asault and harassment by some security agents on FAAN personnel was worrisome

CHUKS OKOH Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA2), operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), has been honored with multiple prestigious awards following a competitive voting process. Recognized both nationally and internationally, MMA2 has received accolades from the Nigeria Aviation Awards (NIGAV) and Global Brands Magazine, underscoring its commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and innovation in airport operations. At the 14th Nigerian Aviation Awards (NIGAV) and Ministerial Dinner, MMA2 emerged as the Nigeria Best Domestic Terminal and received the Most All-Inclusive Airport Terminal Achievement Award (Family, Disabled, Mothers, and Children). A statement signed by Mrs Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi Head, Corporate Communications Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, said the awards were determined through a public and industry-wide voting process, recognizing MMA2’s outstanding efforts in providing a seamless and accessible airport experience for all passengers. The NIGAV Awards celebrate excellence and innovation within Nigeria’s aviation industry, with winners chosen based on votes cast by industry stakeholders and the public. According to Olawuyi, it further strengthening its reputation on the global stage, BASL was also awarded Most Innovative Airport Terminal Operator – Nigeria by Global Brands Magazine, a leading UK-based publication. This award, determined through a rigorous evaluation process, highlights Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited’s innovative strategies and the implementation of advanced technologies in managing and operating the MMA2 terminal. Speaking on the awards, Kola Bamigboye, Acting Chief Operating Officer/ Head, Space & Premises Management of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, expressed his appreciation, he said “we are honored to receive these prestigious awards, which reflect the trust and recognition we have earned from both the public and aviation industry professionals. The ‘Nigeria Best Domestic Airport Terminal Award’ and the ‘Most All-Inclusive Airport Terminal Achievement Award’ from NIGAV validate our dedication to ensuring a comfortable and accessible environment for all passengers. Additionally, the ‘Most Innovative Airport Terminal Operator – Nigeria’ award from Global Brands Magazine reaffirms our relentless drive to implement cutting-edge solutions that redefine the airport experience.” Also reacting to the awards, Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi, Head of Corporate Communications at BASL, stated, “we are thrilled to have been recognized through an open and competitive voting process, both nationally and internationally. These awards reaffirm our commitment to continuous improvement, and we remain dedicated to enhancing customer experience at MMA2. We will not rest on our laurels but will keep striving to set new benchmarks in airport terminal management.” These accolades, earned through the support and votes of passengers, industry professionals, and stakeholders, further solidify MMA2’s position as a leading airport terminal in Nigeria. Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited remains committed to innovation, inclusivity, and service excellence, ensuring an outstanding airport experience for all.

CHUKS OKOH The President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), Yinka Folami says some disgruntled travel agencies in the country are sabotaging the efforts the association through cross border trading. Folami, who disclosed this on the sideline of the NANTA 49th Annual General Meeting in Lagos noted that NANTA has lost 40 percent of its market to cross border traders. According to him five travel agencies are currently under investigation by the federal government for  the cross border trading on ticket sales. According to him, “Cross border sales is a sin and disrespectful to our economy. Government has asked us to present the names of the culprits. We have five names that have been mentioned. The country is investigating them for money laundering. We will stop it. We should also stop buying from them” Folami expressed displeasure over the ugly trend as these agents were destroying the travel business as they sold tickets cheaper, stressing that NANTA was investigating to know how the tickets were sold Folami stressed the for understanding and unity in the association in order to build a robust constitution, engage in self regulation and heed to advice from NANTA founders on tacking the issue. He enumerated some or the association’s achievements saying that NANTA has shown conduct, respect and knowledge and has ensured that its point of sale does not shift, it distributes wealth and engage in self regulation.

CHUKS OKOH, Dr. Allen Onyema chairman of Air Peace has donated N50 million to support the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) College Project. According to Dr. Ejike Ndiulo Head, Corporate Communications Air Peace Limited the generous pledge was made during the grand fundraising and groundbreaking ceremony held at the Armed Forces Officers Mess, Maitama, Abuja. Dr. Onyema, who served as a co-launcher of the project, delivered an inspiring address that emphasized the importance of unity, empowerment, and nation-building. He hailed the DEPOWA College as a transformative initiative that goes beyond physical infrastructure, describing it as “a beacon of hope” and a strategic investment in the future of Nigeria’s children—particularly those from families of military and police personnel. “This is not just about bricks and mortar,” Onyema stated. “It is about shaping the minds of young Nigerians who will become leaders, innovators, and agents of positive change. As we lay the first stone of the DEPOWA College, we must understand that we are building a brighter tomorrow—one that empowers our youth to create solutions, inspire others, and contribute meaningfully to our nation and the world.” He commended DEPOWA’s longstanding impact in supporting service members’ families through education, skills development, and humanitarian programs, adding that the college will be equipped with modern classrooms, vocational centers, science labs, and creative workshops to prepare students for 21st-century challenges. In a heartfelt announcement, Dr. Onyema pledged N50 million on behalf of Air Peace and called on fellow Nigerians to join the effort. “No matter how little, every contribution counts. This project is a legacy we are all building together,” he urged. “We at Air Peace are fully aware of the immense sacrifices made daily by the men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces. This is our way of giving back to the families of these national heroes.” The President of DEPOWA, Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa, expressed deep appreciation for Dr. Onyema’s donation, describing it as timely and deeply symbolic. “Dr. Onyema has again shown that true patriotism lies in action. His support is a shining example of what corporate responsibility should look like in Nigeria,” she said. Beyond philanthropy, Air Peace has also consistently supported the armed forces and vulnerable groups. For the past one year, the airline has been operating a streamlined boarding process that prioritizes military personnel, individuals with special needs, and Business Class passengers—an initiative that reinforces the company’s respect and support for the armed forces. Dr. Onyema concluded his speech with a stirring call to action: “Let this project remind us that we all have a role to play in building Nigeria. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can turn this dream into a lasting reality.” With strong backing from visionary leaders like Dr. Onyema and the collective will of the people, the DEPOWA College stands poised to become a powerful symbol of unity, education, and national pride.