The Federal Government has approved the operation of private
and commercial helicopter services at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport,
Abuja which had been shut for rehabilitation of the runway and other
facilities. The work, which costs $16 million, is to end on April 19.
Following the stress associated with the over three-hour
trip by road to Kaduna where in-and-out bound Abuja flights have been directed
in the wake of the closure, this approval of chopper shuttle would ease the
many troubles put in the way of air travellers.
According to The Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi
Sirika, said the permission was given by the National Security Adviser (NSA),
Major General Babagana Monguno. He recalled that the same office had earlier
banned all flight services pending the completion of the repairs.
"The NSA has the constitutional responsibility vested
in him to advise the president on national security matters. Within his wisdom,
he had earlier issued out letters banning helicopter operation in the airport.”
"But the National Security Adviser early yesterday
approved that helicopters will of course continue to fly to Abuja airport from
wherever." The minister, however, noted that the procedure for landing was
being worked out.
He goes on to say, "This means that helicopters can
come into Abuja and out bearing in mind that within the metropolitan city of
Abuja there are no fly zones and this is very normal in every country.”
Source:www.ncaa.gov.ng
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