Airport Reporters

  Fed Govt to ban foreign carriers over refusal to patronize local caterers  The Federal Government has concluded plans to wield the big stick against foreign carriers which refuse to indigenous catering firms in getting meals for their out bound flights. To drive this the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority , NCAA has been directed to ensure compliance with the decision. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo disclosed this yesterday at a stakeholders forum to appraise the performance of the sector. Keyamo said foreign carriers that refuse to comply with the directive will be denied approval by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development for their Summer schedule. He said the will not approve summer schedule for foreign airlines until they show me agreement showing they have partnered with our local caterers,” the minister said. He insisted that the foreign airlines can choose to stop flying into Nigeria if they feel they cannot patronize local ...

  NCAA to shut down Ibadan Airport for six months The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has announced that the Ibadan airport will be shut down for six months for maintenance and upgrade works to take place. Michael Achimugu, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection made this known on Friday via his X handle. This announcement is coming barely eight months after the state got the approval of President Bola Tinubu, to improve the airport to an international status. In his tweet, Achimugu said, “Subject to new information, Ibadan airport may be shut down for six months for maintenance/upgrade, starting from early March.” In June, President Bola Tinubu approved the move to upgrade the Ibadan Domestic Airport, Alakia, to an international airport. This development was made known by Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State Governor, in Ibadan. Makinde explained that upon completion of the airport upgrade, which will include the expansion and extension of the runway and the general upgrade of t...

Multiple bird strikes impacting our operations , says Air Peace  Air Peace has reported unexpected flight disruptions due to multiple bird strikes affecting three aircraft within the last 24 hours.   Head of Corporate Communications, Air Peace Limited, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, emphasized that safety remains the airline’s top priority.   The first incident occurred yesterday, forcing an air return. Earlier today, two more aircraft suffered bird strikes, grounding them for inspections.   As a safety-conscious airline, Air Peace prioritizes passenger and crew well-being. The airline has initiated safety checks and maintenance procedures before returning the aircraft to service.   “We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience these disruptions may cause. We are working swiftly to resolve the situation,” Ndiulo stated.   Air Peace is assisting affected passengers with rescheduling and alternative travel arrangements while ensuring safety remain...

  NSIB releases preliminary report on Hawker 900XP aircraft incident  The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released the preliminary report on its ongoing investigation into the incident involving a Hawker 900XP aircraft, with nationality and registration marks 5N-KAL, operated by Flybird Aircraft Management Services Limited.  Spokesperson of the NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji disclosed this in a statement. According to the NSIB's Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, the incident occurred on December 6, 2024, during the aircraft's climb out from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (DNAA), Abuja, en route to Kotoka International Airport (DGAA), Accra, Ghana. During the climb at flight level 260, the crew reported hearing a loud bang from Engine Number 2, followed by a temperature increase and vibrations. The crew, she said reduced engine power and declared an emergency, requesting an air return to Abuja. While descending, Engine Number 2 expe...

 APC Anambra And The Gubernatorial Primaries  By Uche Nworah Ph.D The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, had during the commissioning of the office of the party in Awka, Anambra state in February 2025 floated an idea for members of the party to chew on.  Perhaps impressed by the caliber of aspirants jostling for the party’s ticket for the November 2025 Anambra gubernatorial elections, the Chairman requested the aspirants and the party to consider producing a consensus candidate.  The suggestion may be a good one but it is easier said than done. There are benefits to the party if it decides to adopt a consensus candidate. It will lead to less pre and post-election rancour, cost the aspirants less money, lead to unity, and prevent political implosion which is usually experienced by the party in the past. Usually after each primary election cycle, the tendency has always been for aspirants not favoured to abandon the party ...

  NiMet Partners CARE To Promote Sustainable Development In Nigeria The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and the Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere In Nigeria (CARE), have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), on supporting contingency planning and the use of early warning systems along Sustainable Agricultural and food systems, Health and Nutrition, Livelihoods and economic development, as well as Humanitarian Risk Reduction through adaptation of climate change in designated States of Nigeria.  The overall objective of the collaboration between NiMet and CARE is to promote sustainable development and interventions in Nigeria and create a stronger policy and financing environment for climate programming and systems that uphold climate commitments in Nigeria.   At the MoU signing at CARE’s office in Abuja on Wednesday, 26th February 2025, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike said, “With the sig...

 Bi - Courtney COO Hails Cape Town Convention Practice  ......Says Practice Will Boost Capacity In Nigeria  Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (operators of Murtala Muhammed Airport 2) , Mr Remi Jibodu has applauded the federation government implementation of the Cape Town Convention Practice instituted last year, stressing that such step taken, will help boost capacity in the industry.  According to Mr Jibodu CTC will encourage airlines to be able to get dry leases, which means streamlining aviation equipment financing, cost reduction and flexibility in the choice of utilising local crew as against foreign crew.  The COO gave the commendation when the executive members of the Leaque of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) made a courtesy visit to the company’s office at MMA2 in Lagos on Tuesday.  Speaking during the session, he said "when you look at most of the aircraft that we brought in, maybe in November, Decem...

  IATA releases 2024 Annual Safety Report  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its 2024 Annual Safety Report. The industry delivered another year of strong overall performance on safety including showing improvements on the five-year average for several key parameters, but it took a step back from an exceptional performance in 2023. The all-accident rate of 1.13 per million flights (one accident per 880,000 flights) was better than the five-year average of 1.25 but worse than the 1.09 recorded in 2023. There were seven fatal accidents in 2024, among 40.6 million flights. That is higher than the single fatal accident recorded in 2023 and the five-year average of five fatal accidents. There were 244 on-board fatalities in 2024, compared to the 72 fatalities reported in 2023 and the five-year average of 144. Fatality risk remained low at 0.06, below the five-year average (0.10), although double the 0.03 reported in 2023. “Even with recent high profile avia...

 Ibadan Airport Manager assumes duty ,  engages stakeholders  ....Inspects on - going projects  Mr. Gbenga Afuwape, the newly appointed Manager of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, has quickly assumed his role by engaging key stakeholders and inspecting ongoing projects.  Upon resuming on Monday, he met with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to discuss the state-sponsored airport upgrade. The following day, he received Vice President Kassim Shettima at the airport. Afuwape has since held meetings with FAAN management, upgrade committee representatives, stakeholders, and community leaders. At a brief handover ceremony, he emphasized teamwork as essential for development and success. He has also conducted on-the-spot inspections of the airport upgrade. To enhance security, he plans to meet with relevant agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Air Force, Nigeria Army and NSCDC. Afuwape, who holds Bachelor degree in English has extensive experience in airp...

                                  U.S. Consulate Helps Create Economic Opportunities for 120 Emerging Technicians  The U.S. Consulate General Lagos has partnered with the Field of Skills and Dreams VTE Academy to launch the Emerging Technicians Conference, an initiative designed to equip young Nigerian technicians with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their trades and build sustainable businesses. A diverse group of 120 emerging technicians from a range of technical fields such as plumbing, electrical work, automobile mechanics, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), solar systems design and installation; data science and web development were selected for the six-month mentorship program. Designed to foster entrepreneurial know-how, the conference provided participants with insights into the evolving landscape of in-demand technical fields, the importance of continuous skills developme...

  Bi- Courtney explains water leakage at MMA2   Bi- Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), has offered clarifications on the circumstances leading to temporary water leakage into the ticketing hall of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Ikeja, Lagos. Head, Corporate Communications , Ajoke Yinka - Olawuyi in a statement attributed the   temporary water leakage experienced at the terminal to  unusual rainfall. She said : " This occurred when heavy rainfall combined with abnormal wind patterns directed water toward previously unaffected structural elements of the building. "This created pressure conditions that forced rainwater through weatherproofing systems that have performed adequately in all previous weather events. The terminal maintenance department responded immediately, and water removal operations have since been completed.   ""The terminal remains open and operational, with the affected area fully restored. A compreh...

  United Sustainable Flight Fund Invests in Heirloom to Scale Direct Air Capture United Airlines Ventures  on Tuesday said the UAV Sustainable Flight Fund has made an investment in direct air capture (DAC) company Heirloom, adding Heirloom's measurable, quantifiable carbon reduction technology to its already robust portfolio of decarbonization strategies.  The Fund , the airline said also entered into an agreement for the right to purchase up to 500,000 tons of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) to be delivered for the production of sustainable aviation fuel or permanently stored underground. Heirloom's already-proven and scalable technology accelerates the natural power of limestone to capture CO2 directly from the air – making it potentially one of the lowest cost pathways for removing carbon dioxide. "Carbon capture is one of our country's fastest growing, energy enabling pathways," said Andrew Chang, head of United Airlines Ventures. "At UAV, our primary focus ...

Our  CEO's visit to Ekiti , by Air Peace  …..As airline refutes  misleading report by Sahara Reporters  Air Peace has offered clearer insight  into last weekend's trip of its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer , Dr Allen Onyema to Ekiti State describing it as fruitful and well accomplished. The carrier said it  will not allow the success of the trip be tainted by fabricated , inaccurate and misleading reports by Sahara Reporters, which alleged that that Dr. Allen Onyema was “stranded” for over 24 hours at the Ekiti State Agro Allied International Cargo Airport due to the airport’s lack of navigation aids. In a statement by its Head, Corporate Communications, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo , Air Peace said:" We want to categorically state that this report is false, inaccurate and misleading. This is a deliberate misrepresentation of facts designed to malign Air Peace and its leadership. " The claim that “his pilot took a risky manoeuvre to exit Ekiti airport to Lagos” i...

  Aviation unions draft document to implement  airports concession  Aviation unions in the country have condemned what they called draft agreement documents being paraded for the concession of some airports in the country without their input. The unions, Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) voiced their condemnation of the concession documents at the Congress held today at FAAN Freedom Square. During the congress all FAAN offices and gates were locked and no worker was allowed in while the human resource director who threatened to open the gate was denied access by the aggrieved unions. Addressing the workers, the President of NUATE Comrade Ben Nnabue, said the unions learned that the government was going ahead to concession some airports in a manner that was not known to any of them.  He said the minister had told them that ...

 Africa World Airlines Promises Greater Travel Options ..... Awards Trade Partners Africa World Airlines (AWA), Ghana’s leading airline and longest serving carrier on the Lagos – Accra route, has promised to further consolidate its operations and offer its customers greater travel options. Speaking at a Trade Partners’ Forum and Award Reception, Mr. Jonathan Kofi Appiah, Head Commercial noted that it is often said that most airlines that operate on the Lagos – Accra route only survive for between 5 and 10 years at most. However, Africa World Airlines did both by surpassing both limits and continues to provide excellent, safe and secure services to its esteemed guests.  “We pride ourselves as the leading carrier on the route with an impressive on time performance. This is because we always do all we can to ensure that our flights depart and arrive on schedule at our various destinations. And in the near future we hope to offer our guests more travel options with plans to commen...

  NCAT Rector visits Keyamo   The new Rector/ Chief Executive NCAT, Dr Danjuma A. Ismaila receives the blessing for assumption of duty from the Minister of Aviation & Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo. This marks the beginning of a new glorious era in NCAT.

  NATCA calls for recruitment of additional controllers  The Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has emphasized the urgent need to recruit and train additional Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs) to man the country's airspace to mitigate fatigue and ensure optimal safety and efficiency in airspace management. Speaking at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos in an interview, NATCA President, Mr. Amos Edino, explained that the current shortage of ATCOs has resulted in excessive workload, prolonged duty hours, and increased stress levels, negatively impacting both performance and well-being.  He noted that ATCOs are often required to work beyond the standard two-hour shift limit per session, with some working four to five hours continuously due to manpower constraints. Mr. Edino further expressed concerns over the rapid establishment of new airports by various state governments without a corresponding plan for staffing and operational management, exa...

  NCAA tasks training organisations on standards Aviation Training Organisations (ATOs) in the country have been called  upon to  scale the quality capacity development programmes to run for technical personnel in the air  transport sector in order to boost safety and meet up with international benchmark.  The Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority NCAA, Capt Chris Najomo, stated this Monday in Lagos at the opening ceremony of a three day workshop on managing compliance among Approved Training Organizations with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs). According to Najomo, ATOs are the foundation upon which  well-trained professionals who ensure the safety and efficiency of our aviation operations are built. Najomo, represented by General Manager Licensing NCAA Mr Hyelni Bassi, stated that the Industry, aviation professionals, and ultimately, the traveling public depends  on the rigorous training and compliance measures est...

 Dr. Onyema Conferred with Honorary Doctorate by FUOYE  ...A Celebration of Business Excellence and Humanitarian Leadership The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) marked a historic moment at its 9th Convocation Ceremony by conferring the prestigious Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa) on Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, the visionary Chairman and Founder of Air Peace, Nigeria’s foremost airline and West Africa’s largest carrier. This distinguished honour recognized his transformative impact on Nigeria’s aviation sector, his unwavering commitment to national unity, and his remarkable humanitarian efforts. The grand event brought together dignitaries, academia, and industry leaders who gathered to celebrate Onyema’s legacy of service, innovation, and patriotism. The honour was not merely an acknowledgment of his business acumen but also a tribute to his dedication to uplifting Nigerians and fostering peace across communities. The convocation also celebrated other dist...

 Photo News : NIMET Director General, Anosike gets honour as  2025 African Leadership Persons of the Year  Awards The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, was on Saturday, 22nd February 2025 honoured at the 2025 African Leadership Persons Of The Year Awards organized by the African Leadership Magazine.  Prof. Anosike received the African Public Sector Leadership Impact Award for his transformational leadership at the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).  The event which held in Casablanca, Morocco also honoured other leaders including President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar (African Political Leader of the Year), President Bassirou Faye of Senegal (African of the Year), Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State (African Outstanding Good Governance Champion Award), Governor Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano state, (African Leadership Public Service Excellence Award), Mr. Olusegun Aleb...