AKANU IBIAM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT RESUMES FLIGHT OPERATION AFTER ONE YEAR CLOSURE
Reporter : CHUKWUMA EZEOGU
Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu has been officially re-opened for commercial use, with local flights operations commencing immediately, while international flights operations is scheduled for fifth of September. The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, while inaugurating the airport, revealed that his ministry approved one billion naira for the commencement of further constructions at the international wing.
For over one year, Akanu Ibiam International Airport has been shut down due to deterioration of its runway and other ancillary facilities in the airport. However, the Airport has been opened for use as the runway and some other facilities have been put in place.
The Aviation Minister, Senator Sirika, who inaugurated the renovated airport for the commencement of commercial flights, commended Southeast Governors, especially the Governor of Enugu State Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, for the unwavering support towards the actualization of the project.
The Minister mentioned that the ten billion naira approved by President Muhammadu Buhari for the upgrading of the airport was for resurfacing of the runway, perimeter fencing, airport buildings and many others.
The Enugu State Governor, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and his counterpart from Ebonyi State, Chief David Umahi, commended the President Federal Government and President Muhamadu Buhari for ensuring the realization of the project on schedule.
Some National Assembly members, including Senator Ike Ekweremadu and Chief Nnoli Nnaji; and the President General Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo; alongside the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyema, took turns to express their gratitude for the land mark achievement.
Aircraft with registration number 5N-BUV, which landed at Akanu Ibiam International Airport about 2pm Sunday afternoon, carried on board Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama and Labour and Productivity, Chief Chris Ngige alongside some National Assembly members.
While the Aviation Minister, Senator Sirika and a business mogul, Prince Arthur Eze landed at the airport about 4:45pm Saturday in a private jet with registration number 5N-PAZ.