Nosa Aituamen
As the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN, is set to shut down the Enugu Airport runway Tuesday for repairs, the Chinua Achebe International Cargo Airport in Umueri, Anambra State, says, it is fully prepared to handle diverted flights.
The Airport’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Martins Nwafor has assured that the airport has the necessary infrastructure and facilities to receive flights safely and efficiently.
The airport, originally known as Anambra State International Cargo and Passenger Airport, was renamed Chinua Achebe International Cargo Airport by the current Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, in 2023.
With a 3.7-kilometer-long runway, the airport is capable of handling large aircraft, including Boeing 747-800 series.
“We have been preparing for this moment, and we are ready to handle any number of flights,” Mr. Nwafor said.
“We have a functional instrument landing system, a VOR, and airfield lights, including edge lights, center line lights, approach lights, PAPI, threshold end lights, and touchdown zone lights. Our terminal building is designed to accommodate 400 passengers, and we have a car park that can take 850 cars.”
The airport has already handled over 7,000 flights and 450,000 passengers since its commercial operations began on December 7, 2021.
The MD/CEO, revealed that the airport has a partnership with United Nigeria Airlines and Air Peace, and discussions are ongoing with other airlines, including Ibom Air, ValuJet, Rano Air, and Overland.
To ensure passenger comfort, the airport plans to provide free bus services to transport passengers to and from the airport.
Mr. Nwafor emphasized that the airport’s security measures are robust, with 45 policemen and civil defense personnel, as well as 23 vigilante team members combing the bush around the airport.
The airport’s perimeter fence and aviation security measures he said, are in place, with FAAN providing aviation security and fire and rescue services.
Mr. Nwafor stated that the airport’s staff strength is around 180, with an additional 70 FAAN personnel.
The airport’s management is committed to sustaining itself and not handing over to the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Mr. Nwafor emphasized that the airport is a facilitator of economic development and a vital part of the state’s infrastructure.
According to the MD, Chinua Achebe International Cargo Airport is poised to play a significant role in facilitating air travel and cargo transportation in the region, and with its preparations complete, it is ready to handle diverted flights from Enugu Airport.