FAAN begins repair works on Enugu Airport runway; Air Peace lauds FG’s action

By Adekunle Williams/Solomon Asowata

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Thursday began repair works on the runway of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
Mrs Henrieta Yakubu, the General Manager in charge of Corporate Affairs, FAAN, stated this in a statement she issued in Lagos on Thursday.
Following the move, Nigerian carrier, Air Peace, has lauded the Federal Government over the palliative repair work on the runway which began on Thursday.
Yakubu said that the first phase of the repair works would run from Dec.14 to Dec. 21, 2017 while the second phase would be between Dec. 27, 2017 and Jan. 4, 2018.
“There will be skeletal operations at the airport while the work is ongoing as the runway will open for operations from 0700 hours local time till 1500 hours local time on the proposed dates.
“This is to enable the contractor have enough working hours during the day time in order to obtain stable and even runway surface, while also completing the work within the stipulated time frame.
“In line with Standards and Recommended Practices, FAAN has requested the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to issue a Notice To Air Men (NOTAM) in this regard,” she said.
She said that FAAN apologised to intending travellers and the general public for any inconvenience the action might have on their plans.
Mr Chris Iwarah, the Communications Manager, Air Peace, gave the Airline’s commendation of the Federal Government’s action in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
Iwarah confirmed that the NAMA had issued a Notice to Air Men (NOTAM) to the airline in this regard in line with the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).
He said: “Air Peace is pro-safety and the safety of our passengers is paramount.
“We are commending the Federal Government because that runway in particular has been a problem, because it has been destroying our tyres and causing other problems.
“So, if the government has come out to say they want to fix it, it is something we must all commend.’’
According to him, the airline will still be flying to the Enugu Airport during the period as its morning flights will not be affected by the partial closure of the runway.
“Our morning flights will not be affected, but our 2.00 p.m flight may be affected, especially when there are some slight delays.
“We don’t want to take chances and apart from the morning flights; other flights will go to either Owerri or Port Harcourt.
“We have advised our passengers who have already booked flights to reschedule for free, no matter the fare differences,” Iwarah said.