Airport Reporters

 FAAN MD Commends Nigeria’s Re-election into ICAO Council The Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, has applauded Nigeria’s re-election into the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council with 163 votes, describing it as a resounding endorsement of the nation’s leadership in global aviation. According to a statement by its Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection , Mr Henry Agbebire . In her remarks, the FAAN MD/CE commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo,  for his dynamic stewardship and foresight, which she said played a decisive role in consolidating Nigeria’s international standing. “This overwhelming vote of confidence from the international community reaffirms Nigeria’s strategic importance in aviation. Under the Honourable Minister’s leadership, Nigeria has not only safeguarded its seat but also deepened its influence in shaping the future of ...

Aviation  public relations hub seeks synergy among players  The Aviation Hub of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has  called for enhanced collaboration and synergy among all operators in the aviation ecosystem  This is to improve alliance and cooperation among airline operators regarding passenger lift agreements under mutually beneficial terms to enhance service reliability and customer satisfaction. The hub also advocated effective use of complaint mechanisms by the flying public and the establishment of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) centres in Nigeria. These were part of the resolutions reached by sector stakeholders at the 3rd Annual Aviation Public Relations Conference held September 23 – 26, 2025, with the theme, 'Synergizing for Growth: The Role of Public Relations in Advancing Nigeria's Aviation Hub Agenda". It stated that effective use of complaint mechanism would encourage the flying public to utilize official complaints and redre...

 ‎NSIB's Capt. Gindeh emerges NAAPE  president as Galadima bows out  ‎ ‎ ‎Captain Bunmi Gindeh of the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), has emerged the president of the National Association of Air Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) beating his rival, Francis Igwe, an aircraft engineer with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). ‎ ‎The election took place on Friday, September 27th I. Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, with Gindeh polling 51 polling while Igwe got 17 votes.  ‎ ‎Mudi Muhammad, an aircraft engineer at Arik Air, emerged the national deputy president. He had no opponent. While Adewale Adenugba won a second time as the first trustee.  ‎ ‎Other elective positions were financial secretary, won by Edwin Udoh, Publicity Secretary, won by Blessing Ahmadu, Michael Nicholas won the position of second trustee.  ‎ ‎Speaking after emerging victorious ‎Gindeh expressed appreciation to the outgoing administration, saying they worked very hard to ac...

  Air Peace takes delivery of second Embraer 190 aircraft Nigeria’s largest carrier and West Africa’s aviation leader, Air Peace Limited, has marked another bold step in its strategic growth journey with the arrival of its second Embraer 190 aircraft. The 96-seater jet with registration mark, 5N-CER, touched down at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at exactly 14:42pm on Friday, September 25, 2025, further strengthening the airline’s fleet and boosting its capacity to serve both domestic and regional markets. This milestone comes just three months after Air Peace received its first E190 on June 22, 2025, underscoring the airline’s deliberate investment in modern, right-sized aircraft tailored for Nigeria’s evolving aviation landscape. Purpose-built for efficiency and comfort, the Embraer 190 features a 1-2 seating layout in premium economy and a 2-2 configuration in economy, offering passengers a spacious, quiet cabin. With eco-friendly engineering, inflight entertainm...

  Rémy Martin eyes new generation of cognac lovers with VS Supérieur relaunch ....... The French cognac house debuted the richer, three-year-aged blend as part of a broader African roll-out Amaury Vinclet, Executive Director, Rémy Martin; Delphine de Vienne, International Business Development Director, Rémy Martin & Louis XIII; Samuel Douglas, Commercial Director, Josien Mercantile Limited; Sammy Okwandu, Area Manager Nigeria and Ghana Home Markets; Svetlana Naumova, Managing Director; Nick Cox, Marketing Director, all of Rémy Cointreau AMEI & CIS at the recent launch of Rémy Martin VS Supérieur in Lagos, Nigeria Premium cognac maker  Rémy Martin  has  reintroduced  its celebrated VS Supérieur (Very Special Supérieur). The reimagined blend was unveiled in Lagos , as part of a pan-African launch targeting a new generation of cognac lovers. First created in 2014, Very Special Supérieur is produced exclusively from grapes grown in Petite Champagne, the priz...

Onyema Champions Aviation as Africa’s Economic Lifeline at NBCC Induction At its induction into the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), Air Peace Limited used the platform to underscore the strategic role of aviation in shaping Africa’s economic destiny. Delivering a rousing keynote titled “Runways to Revenue: Leveraging Aviation to Deepen Nigerian Investment Opportunities,” Air Peace Chairman Dr. Allen Onyema declared: “Aviation is not a luxury; it is an economic lifeline. It lowers trade costs, attracts investments, boosts tourism, and strengthens people-to-people ties.” Onyema highlighted Air Peace’s ongoing investments, including its groundbreaking for Africa’s largest Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Lagos, which will save Nigeria billions in foreign exchange and create jobs for thousands. He further emphasized the transformative power of direct connectivity, citing Air Peace’s direct flight to Brazil, which cut travel time from days to just seven hours...

  Onyema Salutes British Diplomacy for Seamless UK-Nigeria Air Operations Air Peace Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, has commended the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Johnny Baxter, for his exceptional role in facilitating smooth operations of the airline’s historic entry into the UK market. Speaking at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce Members’ Evening, Onyema described Baxter as “a diplomat par excellence whose unwavering support has ensured seamless connectivity for Air Peace in the UK.” Onyema noted that contrary to some misleading reports, both the Nigerian and British governments played pivotal roles in making Air Peace’s London service a reality. “Our London flights are not just about moving passengers but about moving hope — the hope of a continent determined to trade fairly, travel freely, and prosper fully,” he said. The direct Lagos–London Gatwick service, launched earlier this year, has already reshaped the Nigeria–UK travel market, offering affordable ...

   Air Peace Boss Hails Tinubu’s Administration for Championing Indigenous Airlines  The Chairman of Air Peace Limited, Dr. Allen Onyema, has praised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for championing the cause of Nigerian airlines in global aviation, describing the government’s intervention as pivotal in securing fair opportunities for local operators. Speaking as guest speaker at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce Induction Ceremony in Lagos, Onyema disclosed that the Nigerian government stood firmly behind Air Peace during its push for direct entry into the United Kingdom market, insisting on reciprocity in bilateral agreements. “President Tinubu and the Honourable Minister of Aviation did everything possible to support us. The President even warned that if Air Peace was denied entry rights, there would be consequences. That bold stance made all the difference,” Onyema revealed. He stressed that such government backing has enabled Nigerian carriers...

   Onyema Credits Fidelity Bank’s Bold Support as Pillar of Air Peace’s Growth Chairman of Air Peace Limited, Dr. Allen Onyema, has paid glowing tribute to Fidelity Bank and its former leadership for backing the airline at inception, despite the general reluctance of financial institutions to invest in Nigerian aviation. Speaking at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce Members’ Evening and Induction Ceremony on September 25, 2025, Onyema recounted how Dr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, then Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, approved critical financing that enabled Air Peace to acquire its first aircraft. “Without the boldness of Fidelity Bank at a time when no Nigerian bank wanted to touch aviation, there might not have been an Air Peace today,” Onyema declared. “The success of this airline belongs to those who stood with us in our early days when the odds were stacked against us.” He emphasized that aviation remains one of the most capital-intensive industries globally, noting that ev...

  Air Peace Inducted into Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce ..... Chairman Onyema Speaks on Aviation as Trade Catalyst Nigeria’s largest carrier and West Africa’s aviation leader, Air Peace Limited, has been formally inducted into the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) at its Quarterly Members’ Evening and Induction Ceremony held on September 25, 2025, at the Chamber’s headquarters in Lagos. With the theme, “Trade Without Borders: Aviation as a Catalyst for Bilateral Growth between Nigeria and the UK,” the high-level event drew corporate leaders, investors, and policymakers. The highlight of the evening was the induction of Air Peace into the Chamber, an honor reflecting the airline’s growing influence as a key driver of trade, tourism, and economic diplomacy between both nations. Delivering the keynote address titled “Runways to Revenue: Leveraging Aviation to Deepen Nigerian Investment Opportunities,” Air Peace Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, spoke passionately about the ...

 MMA2 Joins Global Community to Mark World Cleanup Day In celebration of this year's World Cleanup Day, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), managers of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), mobilized staff to the Hajj Park wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Friday.   BASL disclosing this according  to a statement by its Head, Corporate Communications, Mrs Ajoke Yinka- - Olawuyi. World Cleanup Day, held annually on September 20, mobilizes over 200 governments, citizens, and organizations around the world to tackle the waste problem and create global awareness in their local areas. This year’s theme tagged “Tackling fast-growing challenges: textile and fashion waste,” is focused on dealing with the large volume of textile and fashion waste, which contributes to pollution. The BASL team, led by Head of Safety, Nafisat Adeniran, engaged in a cleanup exercise, donated trash bins to the park to promote proper waste disposal and env...

      FAAN rolls out  cashless operations at airports  .....To phase out physical collection at revenue points  ...At Toll Gates, car parks , airport lounges  The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has concluded plans to roll out :" Operations Go Cashless ", a contactless payment solution at airports nationwide. The pilot phase of the new arrangement, the authority said will be flagged off with Murtala Muhammed International Airport , Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja  According to a statement by the airport authority, the new payment architecture is part of its broader strategy to automate and digitize its operations. FAAN said the new system will be driven in  partnership with Paystack, a financial technology platform  The statement reads :" Effective September 29, 2025, all payments at FAAN’s revenue points, including airport Access Gates, Car Parks, FAAN VIP and Protocol Lounges will go cashless which me...

 ValueJet to begin flights to GWI, Iperu Oct 7 ....As  airport opens to operations As arrangements hit top gear for the commissioning of the Gateway International Airport (GWI), Iperu, Ogun State, for commercial flight operations, Nigeria’s fast-growing airline, ValueJet, will be operating from the airport on October 7. The carrier will be operating two weekly flights to Abuja for now on Tuesday and Thursday at 8.30am to arrive Abuja at 9.45am and from Abuja to GWI at 16.00 and arriving GWI 17.15 The airline said tickets will be available as of September 25th online, through travel agents and at the airport. The airline, as part of its expansion programme, will serve the growing demand in Ogun and offer an alternative to Lagos and Ibadan for those within the GWI, Iperu catchment area. The GWI, Iperu’s strategic location is in Ilishan/Iperu, Ogun State, Nigeria, near the Sagamu Interchange and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. This prime position offers easy access from key economic...

  Ibom Air Crew Resuscitates Passenger  ....Administers Life-Saving Emergency CPR State - run carrier : Ibom Air has offered insight into the circumstances surrounding how a female passenger with a medical emergency was handled aboard its Flight 561 from Abuja to Lagos. In a statement, Ibom Air said :" On September 21st, a female passenger experienced a medical emergency shortly after take-off on board Ibom Air Flight 561 from Abuja to Lagos. Our cabin crew, fully trained in handling in-flight medical emergencies, responded swiftly and professionally by administering oxygen, CPR, and other first-aid protocols. "Prior to departure, the Senior Cabin Crew Member (SCCM) was notified of a Passenger with Reduced Mobility (PRM), travelling with her husband and family. Shortly after take-off, and as the crew commenced in-flight service, a medical emergency was reported in the cabin. The SCCM and the team immediately assessed the situation and made a public announcement requesting med...

    NSIB releases preliminary report on train derailment at Asham station    The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released the preliminary report on the derailment involving train number AK 1, operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), with locomotive registration CDD5c2 2701.  According to the bureau's Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Olawunmi Oladeji , the  occurrence took place at Km 49, Kubwa–Asham section, Kagarko Local Government Area, Kaduna State, on 26 August 2025. The passenger train, which departed Idu Station, Abuja, at 09:45 h en route to Rigasa Station, Kaduna, was carrying 618 persons on board, including NRC crew members, security personnel, and service staff.  According the statement,  approximately 11:09 hours  shortly after passing a manually operated switch point at Asham Station, the forward locomotive and adjoining coaches derailed and overturned.  Twenty-one passenger...

How Air Peace secured UK partnership for Heathrow, Gatwick flights, by Onyema Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest carrier and West Africa’s aviation leader, has described its approval to operate scheduled flights from Nigeria into both London Gatwick and London Heathrow Airports as a historic milestone for Nigerian aviation, further attributing this breakthrough to the backing of the UK Government.  The Chairman of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema, said this achievement is remarkable because it has taken seven years for any Nigerian airline to secure such access, underscoring the resilience of the airline and the support it has enjoyed from the United Kingdom. Dr. Onyema applauded the British Deputy High Commissioner for Lagos, Jonny Baxter, describing him as “a diplomat par excellence” whose unwavering commitment and fairness ensured that Air Peace received everything necessary to begin its operations into the United Kingdom. “Jonny Baxter embodies the principle of live and let live. He gave ...

Air Peace conveys travel partner forum ahead of Abuja- London flight Nigeria’s largest carrier and West Africa’s aviation leader, Air Peace Limited, on Monday convened a high-level Travel Partner Forum at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, as part of preparations for the launch of its Abuja–London (Heathrow & Gatwick) flights scheduled for 26 and 28 October 2025. The forum brought together Air Peace’s top-selling travel agents, executive members of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), and representatives of global travel solutions giants Amadeus and Sabre, in a move that underscores the airline’s commitment to fostering robust partnerships and advancing Nigeria’s global aviation footprint. A highlight of the event was a comprehensive brand and route presentation delivered by Air Peace’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Nowel Ngala, who shared data-driven insights on the London route, its strategic importance to Nigeria’s travel market, and the critical role of trave...

  Nigeria signs MoU with UAE for advanced cargo information system A high-level Nigerian aviation delegation, led by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr  Festus Keyamo has concluded a strategic mission to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to explore Advanced Cargo Information (ACI) systems aimed at transforming Nigeria’s aviation and cargo sector. The visit, hosted by DALIL UAE at Abu Dhabi International Airport and the UAE Command and Control Center, provided the delegation with first-hand exposure to world-class cargo management and aviation security technology. According to a statement by the Ministry of Aviation, key highlights of the mission include : technical briefings by DALIL UAE – a globally recognized provider of aviation security and ACI solutions. It also includes a tour of the ACI and Command Centers – showcasing how real-time data improves cargo processing, risk profiling, and revenue collection. It also featured the signing of a Memorandum of ...

SAHCO secures handling contract for Air Tanzania  Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc, has secured the contract to provide ground handling operations to Air Tanzania at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria. SAHCO is providing comprehensive ground handling services, which includes Passenger Handling, Baggage Handling, Ramp Handling, Cargo Handling & Warehousing and other aviation related services to Air Tanzania that would be flying from its hub at Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam, three times a week to Lagos. Air Tanzania, which is the national flag carrier of the United Republic of Tanzania was established in 2002, with the aims to enhance Tanzania's economic development and global connectivity.  Speaking on the development, the Managing Director/CEO of SAHCO, Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, stated; "We are thrilled to welcome Air Tanzania to Lagos and are honored they have chosen SAHCO Plc as their trusted ground handling partner. T...

  Direct flights into Nigeria will boost trade, says  Air Tanzania  CEO The Chief Executive Officer  of Air Tanzania,  Engineer  Peter Ulanga has  highlighted the economic and business  opportunities to be exploited  by Nigeria on the newly created  window for direct flights between Lagos and the country's capital, Dar Es Salaam. He said  the air connectivity   would enhance trade, tourism, and cultural exchange while also advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Ulanga who disclosed this at the weekend during the launch of the East African country's direct flight into Nigeria said the new era of connectivity  will open new trade flows from Nigerian yams to Tanzanian coffee building commerce and fueling prosperity.  While urging Nigerian travelers to explore Tanzania’s world-class attractions; from the Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar’s beaches...

  East – West Africa Connection Deepens as Air Tanzania Flies into Lagos In a vibrant celebration of Africa’s richness and unity, Air Tanzania has officially launched direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Lagos marking a new era of connectivity, trade and cultural exchange between Nigeria and Tanzania. The historic route was unveiled at a glamorous ceremony in Lagos on Saturday, 20 September 2025. The launch event brought together senior representatives of the Nigerian and Tanzanian governments, tourism, business executives, logistics operators and members of the African diaspora in Nigeria.  Tanzania Ambassador to Nigeria, Selestine Kakele, hailed the launch as “the dawn of a new chapter; a bridge across the skies connecting two magnificent nations, Nigeria and Tanzania, and two great cities: Lagos on the west coast and Dar es Salaam on the east.” The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development in Nigeria, Festus Keyamo, represented by Mrs. Janet Oputa, congratulated Ai...

  FAAN MD elected ACI Africa Vice President  ...Becomes Permanent Member World Governing Council  In a historic moment for Nigeria and the entire African aviation sector, Olubunmi Kuku, the Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has been elected as the Vice President of ACI Africa. This election not only highlights her leadership but also elevates her from her previous role as Regional Advisor for Africa to a permanent member on the ACI World Governing Board. The ratification took place during the 34th ACI Africa General Assembly held in Lusaka, Zambia. With 56 member states across Africa, ACI Africa plays a vital role in advocating for the interests of aviation across the continent. The ACI World Governing Board oversees approximately 2,100 airports globally and is comprised of 814 members across 169 countries. In her new position, Mrs. Kuku will champion initiatives aimed at promoting safe and passenger-centric airports and enhancing conne...

 MMA2 Named Best Cargo Airport in Nigeria ...COO Jibodu Honored as Top Air Cargo Personality Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA2), managed by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, has received significant recognition at the recent CHINET Awards and the 21st AKWAABA African Travel Market. According to a statement by its Head, Corporate Communications , Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi  the airport was named Best Cargo Airport in Nigeria, while Acting Chief Operating Officer Remi Jibodu was honored as one of the Top 50 Air Cargo Personalities in Nigeria. This recognition highlights MMA2's dedication to providing an exceptional airport experience and its innovative approach to cargo operations. CHINET, known as West Africa’s only international aviation cargo event, continues to be a key player in promoting Africa’s air cargo business. Jibodu’s award specifically acknowledges his investment in the air cargo business and his exemplary leadership. These recent honors reinforce MMA2's established...