‘Economic Implications of Sunset Airports’ in focus at the forthcoming 26th LAAC Annual Conference

As domestic airlines are losing billions of naira due to restrictions to some airports in the country, the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondent, LAAC has thought it wise to draw government attention to this issue.

To this end, the LAAC is focusing on this in its forthcoming 26th Annual Conference in Lagos with the theme: ‘Sunset Airports: Economic Implications’.

No fewer than 250 travel and aviation stakeholders in Nigeria and the diaspora is expected to participate in the conference slated for Thursday, July 28, 2022 at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers in Lagos.

The speakers drawn from the airlines, government agencies, travel agents, air travel passengers and others would discuss in-depth the economic and safety implications surrounding sunset airports in Nigeria.

Chairman, Conference Committee, LAAC, Mr. Chinedu Eze in a statement said, the theme was informed by the multiple challenges operators have faced operating into sunset airports in Nigeria over the years.

According to him, while the airlines continue to claim loss of billions of naira annually due to the restriction, some stakeholders, feel there is no need for most Nigerian airports to operate virtual and instrument flights.

He states that, the avenue would be the right place for major players to discuss the burning issue objectively, while also proffering solutions for the benefit of all.

“Our past conferences have helped to shape the industry for the better. While we agree that that there are challenges in the sector, it is also the league’s belief that the challenges are not insurmountable”.

He adds, “For many, aircraft should remain in the air, but a situation where most of the airports can only offer day light operations and aircraft stay on ground for most parts of the day, may not augur well, but, again, where are the passengers? Even in the US, not all their airports operate 24 hours.”

Also speaking, Secretary, LAAC Conference Committee, Mr. Albinus Chiedu, expressed optimism that like in the past, the conference would usher in new development for the industry.

According to him, key panelists, speakers and other participants have already confirmed their participation at this year’s event and assured that communiqué reached at the conference would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for action.

The conference is to be both virtual and physical.

LAAC is the sole Nigeria’s aviation media umbrella body saddled with the responsibility of ensuring effective coverage and practice of the aviation industry.

The LAAC Annual Conference has over the years, made an unquantifiable impact on the country’s aviation industry by throwing up policy, management and operational issues for public discuss.

This has resulted in tremendous and significant evidential changes in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Aviation and allied business organisations have equally taken advantage of sponsorship opportunities presented by the event to sell their products and services.