Tag: nigeria

Ilorin International Airport is an airport located in Kwara State, Nigeria, serving the city of Ilorin. Owned and operated by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), it is situated approximately 1.8 kilometers from downtown Ilorin. The airport features a single runway measuring 3,100 meters in length and 60 meters in width.

Functioning as a secondary airport to Lagos Airport, Ilorin International Airport is positioned around an hour’s drive away from Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State. Recent renovations have been undertaken on the airport’s terminal building, enabling it to accommodate up to 500 passengers simultaneously.

The commissioning of the airport was carried out by President Olusegun Obasanjo, who also laid the foundation for the construction of the airport’s cargo shed. Originally inaugurated on February 16, 1978, the airport was later upgraded to international status in 2012. As the primary airport serving Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, Nigeria, Ilorin International Airport plays a vital role in air transportation.

Ilorin International Airport is well-connected to various destinations, with popular routes including Abuja, Lagos, Warri, Port Harcourt, and Kano. Air Peace and Azman Air are the two airlines currently serving the airport, offering flights to Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Ongoing improvements at the airport encompass the construction of a new terminal building and the expansion of the runway. These enhancements aim to enhance the airport’s efficiency and capacity, facilitating an increase in passenger volume by over 20% compared to previous years.

Akanu Ibiam International Airport, popularly known as Enugu Airport, serves the vibrant city of Enugu, which is the capital of Enugu State in Nigeria. Enugu holds the nickname of the ‘coal city,’ reflecting its historical significance as a prominent center of the coal mining industry. The airport not only caters to Enugu but also facilitates connectivity for nearby cities such as Abakaliki, Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, Afikpo, Okigwe, Nsukka, Ugep, Orlu, Idah, Otukpo, and Ogoja, thus serving as an essential transportation hub for the region.

The airport is named in honor of the late Akanu Ibiam (1906–1995), a distinguished medical practitioner and statesman from Afikpo in Ebonyi State. This recognition pays tribute to his contributions and achievements.

In February 2010, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) made the decision to temporarily close the airport to commence significant renovation and expansion works during the first phase of the project. After undergoing extensive improvements, Akanu Ibiam International Airport reopened its doors on December 16, 2010, marking the completion of the initial phase of construction. However, subsequent phases of the development, aimed at further enhancing the airport’s facilities, are still ongoing. These ongoing improvements are in line with the airport’s preparations to attain its new status as an international airport, expanding its capabilities and increasing its capacity to handle international flights.

Enugu remains a vital center of political, cultural, commercial, and administrative influence in the southeastern part of Nigeria. Akanu Ibiam International Airport serves as a crucial gateway to the region, promoting regional development, and economic growth, thanks to its strategic location and continuous improvements.

Anambra International Airport, also referred to as Umueri Cargo Airport, serves the region of Umueri (Umuleri) and its surrounding areas in Anambra State, located in southeastern Nigeria. The development of the Umueri Cargo Airport project was initiated by the Anambra State government on April 11, 2017, and after four years of construction, it was completed in April 2021.

The official inauguration of Anambra Airport took place on October 30, 2021, with Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State leading the ceremony. Subsequently, on November 2, 2021, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) granted the Anambra State Government the necessary authority to commence commercial operations at Anambra Airport.

Following the regulatory approval, the airport officially commenced commercial operations on December 7, 2021, just five days after receiving authorization. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority’s decision marked a significant milestone for the airport and opened up new opportunities for air travel in the region. During its first month of operations, Anambra Airport handled a total of 142 flights and facilitated the transportation of 3,865 passengers.

The completion and subsequent opening of Anambra International Airport have not only enhanced connectivity for the people of Umueri and surrounding areas but have also provided a boost to the economic development of Anambra State and the region as a whole. The airport serves as a vital hub for both cargo and passenger operations, facilitating trade, and economic growth in the area.

Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport is a prominent international airport situated in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. It serves as the primary airport for the country’s capital city and is named after Nnamdi Azikiwe, who served as Nigeria’s first President from 1904 to 1996. Positioned about 20 kilometers (12 miles) west of Abuja, this airport accommodates both international and domestic flights through its single runway, which is shared by an international terminal and a domestic terminal.

To enhance Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport‘s capabilities, the new terminal was constructed in 2000 by Julius Berger in close proximity to the existing terminal. This modern terminal, which commenced operations in 2002, primarily caters to international flights. Subsequently, the pre-existing terminal now exclusively handles domestic flights.

Recognizing the need for urgent repairs to the airport’s runway, the Nigerian Government awarded a contract to Julius Berger in 2017 for its emergency rehabilitation. Originally designed to have a lifespan of 20 years, the runway had been in use for almost 40 years at the time of the contract.

In addition to its commercial operations, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport operates a dedicated private jet wing that caters to businesses, diplomats, and politicians in the city. To further enhance private jet operations, the Ministry of Transportation announced plans in 2016 for a new terminal, encompassing the construction of a new protocol Lounge and the rehabilitation of the airport’s fire station. These enhancements aim to better serve non-scheduled flights and meet the needs of private jet travelers.