Latest news with #AirPeace
BBC News
25-04-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
NiMet strike: Why airports dey depend on meteorological agencies?
Nigeria airports see kasala after di country meteorological agency NiMet go on strike over unpaid wages. Flight delays and cancellations happen for Lagos, Abuja and Kano airports. Workers from NiMet march for di street of Lagos, wit placards wey read: "No weather, no flight; fly at your own risk." While one airline, United Nigeria Airlines, say dem bin dey find alternative sources for weather information, anoda airline, Air Peace, bin announce di suspension of all flight operations on Thursday. Di strike now don dey called off for two weeks after Nigeria Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo meet with NiMet unions on Thursday. Dis na three key reasons why meteorology dey important to aviation: Safety While e dey safe to fly inside bad weather, meteorological agencies fit alert pilots to any significant weather hazards, like thunderstorms, icing or low visibility caused by low clouds or fog. Turbulence for flight dey very common, however thunderstorms fit make am more serious, putting passengers safety at risk. While turbulence dey highly unlikely to make plane crash, e dey known to cause severe injuries to passengers – and even death. Aviation forecasts fit also identify areas of Clear Air Turbulence (CAT), wey be wen temperature change create different wind speeds and direction. Pilots fit use dis weather information to den fly around areas of turbulence to minimise any danger or to cancel flight altogether. For Nigeria, heavy rainfall and thunderstorms dey more common at certain times of di year – e make weather information all modire important. "Any time you get widespread thunderstorm outbreak, e fit dey dangerous," George Delanjian, one aviation meteorologist based in US tok. "Lightening fit strike di aircraft and serious turbulence fit happen. In most cases, meteorologists know wen and wia thunderstorms go happen." Weather information dey also become more important for flight safety, sake of say some studies show say instances of serious turbulence dey increase, wey fit be due to climate change. Efficiency Information about di weather dey crucial for pilots wey dey prepare a flight plan. Di temperature, humidity, pressure and wind fit impact di ability to maintain a safe flying altitude and di ability to reach di destination with enough fuel. Information about jet streams – wey be strong bands of winds – fit help di plane to arrive more quickly at im destination. Flight plan fit also include alternate airports wey di plane fit divert too if change in weather conditions happen. "Meteorological agencies go provide information to airport as part of Meteorological Aerodrome Report [METAR] - wey be hourly reports wey show di current weather and Terminal Aerodrome Forecast [TAF] - wey give di forecast throughout di day," Simon King, BBC meteorologist tok. "Any pilot absolutely suppose get am to plan dia flights. For example, if di weather for di airport wia plane dey due to land no dey favourable, pilots fit dey aware of oda airports to divert to - while making sure say enough fuel dey to do so." So, weather reports no dey just about safety, dem dey also help airlines to save time, fuel and money. Ground operations Weather information dey just as important on di ground as e dey for di pilots in di sky. Meteorological agencies provide airports with information wey dey prepare dem for conditions wey fit affect di runway visibility and di ability to take off and land safely. In particular, pilots go dey look di forecasts for di speed and direction of di wind. Dis go affect di runway di pilot go use. Weather information fit also help make decisions on de-icing procedures, di loading and unloading of aircraft and re-fuelling. "If thunderstorm dey, planes no dey allowed to refuel in case of lightening," King add.
Zawya
24-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: Anambra airport set to shine
As the Enugu Airport temporarily shuts down for runway repairs, Chinua Achebe International Cargo and Passenger Airport in Umueri, Anambra State, has stepped up to fill the gap. With its modern facilities, operational readiness, and strategic positioning, the airport is fully prepared to handle the anticipated surge in traffic. The airport, named after the literary icon and inaugurated in 2021, is now a hub of bustling activity as diverted flights begin arriving. Managing Director/CEO Mr. Martins Nwafor, disclosed that the airport has already begun accommodating United Nigeria Airlines' early morning operations and is expecting increased frequency from Air Peace, the airport's pioneer operator. Discussions with several other airlines, including Ibom Air, ValuJet, Rano Air, and Overland, are also ongoing, with incentives such as free office space and collaborative marketing efforts being offered to encourage their operations. The airport's infrastructure is impressive, featuring a 3.7 km long and 45-meter-wide runway, the second longest in Nigeria, which can handle large aircraft including the Boeing 747-800 series. The airport's modern navigation aids, including a fully functional instrument landing system (ILS), DVOR, PAPI lights, approach and runway edge lighting, and other navigational aids, support all-weather operations, day or night. To manage the expected increase in traffic, cooling systems and terminal amenities are being reinforced, and the terminal can handle 400 departing and 600 arriving passengers. Free shuttle services from the airport to designated points are also being introduced to assist passengers with ground transportation. Despite concerns over general insecurity in the region, Nwafor affirmed that the airport has not recorded any security breach in over three years of operation, thanks to robust security measures, including over 45 police and civil defense officers, 23 local vigilantes, and full perimeter fencing. Aviation security and firefighting services are provided through a service agreement with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). With aviation fuel now readily available on-site, the airport is well-equipped to ensure uninterrupted airline services. Since operations began on December 7, 2021, the airport has handled over 450,000 passengers and about 7,000 flights, with Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines remaining the primary operators. The airport is self-sustaining, covering its staff salaries and basic operational costs through internally generated revenue, and the state government has supported infrastructure development with firefighting equipment, medical facilities, and maintenance tools. Positioned between Enugu, Asaba, Owerri, and Port Harcourt, the airport benefits from its central location in the Southeast, offering convenience to travelers and boosting its appeal as a regional aviation hub. Nwafor was confident that Anambra State has both the vision and the resources to manage the airport sustainably without needing to transfer control to FAAN. He emphasized that the facility is more than just a transport hub; it is a catalyst for development, investment, and connectivity in the region. With the closure of the Enugu Airport turning attention toward Umueri, Chinua Achebe International Airport appears well-poised to demonstrate its value and capacity, and perhaps permanently establish itself as a preferred gateway to the Southeast.
Zawya
21-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: FG shuts Enugu Airport for emergency runway repairs
The Federal Government has declared the temporary shutdown of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, Enugu State, for emergency repairs of the runway. This announcement came shortly after Air Peace temporarily suspended flights due to alleged safety concerns. The Head of Corporate Communications, Air Peace, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo confirmed the decision in a statement and said that the Enugu Airline had been causing disturbance to Air Peace flights. The statement, according to the Corporate Communications Head, reads, 'We regret to inform you that all flights scheduled to Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu are temporarily suspended due to safety concerns of the Enugu airport runway. 'The situation of the Enugu runway has been causing major disruptions to Air Peace flights, hence the decision to temporarily suspend further flights into this airport until further notice. 'At Air Peace, we prioritize Safety first over convenience. We believe that if flights are not operated into this aerodrome for the next few days, it will allow FAAN the opportunity to perform the necessary repairs on the runway. 'To this end, please be informed that all flights scheduled into and out of Enugu will now be operated into and out of Asaba airport. We regret any inconvenience this change might have caused. At Air Peace, your safety is our priority.' Meanwhile, Tribune Online reported the closure of the airway in 2019 for the same concerns with Air Peace throwing its weight behind the decision to shut down the runway. However, the runway that was repaired deteriorated again causing pilots to experience difficulties landing at the runway. Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, in a statement, confirmed the shutdown and further stated that there was an abrupt and significant tear in the asphalt surface at a critical point of the runway. According to her, emergency repairs would begin from the ruptured point on the runway from April 22nd to May 6th, 2025. Her statement reads, 'In compliance with Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has, therefore, closed the runway during this period. 'As part of FAAN's commitment to passenger safety and the modernisation of airport facilities, the runway will not be open for landings or takeoffs during the rehabilitation period. 'FAAN appeals to all airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation during this time. All flights to this airport will be diverted to nearby airports. 'We sincerely apologise for the late and unexpected notice regarding this closure.'
Khaleej Times
05-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
18.72 million international visitors: Dubai tourism's sustained boom in 2025
Breaking previous records and outpacing projections, Dubai's tourism sector has reinforced its position as a global powerhouse, with the emirate having welcomed 18.72 million international visitors in 20244 — a 9.2 per cent year-on-year (YoY) surge. This growth underscores the city's resilience, strategic investments, and its ability to capitalse on shifting global travel trends, tourism industry experts said. With tourism now contributing over $179.8 billion in international visitor spending and supporting 7.75 million jobs regionally, Dubai is poised to redefine luxury, accessibility, and innovation in hospitality as it eyes 2025, industry analysts said. Dubai now boasts the world's largest inventory of hotel rooms, with 154,016 rooms across categories as of 2024. Dubai's tourism infrastructure is set to expand further, with 3,000 additional rooms slated for completion by late 2025. Notable projects include the highly anticipated One & Only One Za'abeel, the Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, and the expansion of Address Hotels' portfolio. Industry experts highlight that 70 per cent of upcoming additions will target the luxury and serviced apartment segments, aligning with Dubai's vision to attract high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and remote workers through initiatives like its virtual working programme. Hospitality industry experts said a key catalyst for Dubai's tourism boom has been its aggressive expansion of air connectivity. The resumption of direct Emirates flights to Nigeria in early 2024, coupled with a landmark interline agreement between Emirates and West Africa's Air Peace, unlocked access to millions of travelers across Africa. This move not only bridged a critical gap in intra-continental travel but also positioned Dubai as the gateway between Africa, Asia, and Europe. Western Europe remained Dubai's largest source market, contributing 14.8 per cent of total visitors, while South Asia saw a notable 1.6 per cent increase. Analysts attribute this to Dubai's targeted marketing campaigns and visa facilitation programs, such as the five-year multi-entry visa for Indian tourists introduced in 2023. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's rising prominence as a business and leisure destination has created a symbiotic relationship, with Dubai benefiting from spillover traffic tied to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 projects. Having the world's largest inventory of hotel rooms, the city's accommodation strategy prioritises diversity: 64 per cent of rooms cater to the luxury and upscale segments (35 per cent five-star, 28 per cent four-star), while 19 per cent fall in the budget-friendly one-to-three-star range. Hotel apartments, popular among long-stay travelers and families, account for 17 per cent of the market. Dubai's Average Daily Rate (ADR) reached $154 in 2024, a significant rebound from pandemic-era lows of $108 in 2020–2021. While Riyadh ($168) and Jeddah ($160) currently lead the region due to Saudi Arabia's booming business travel and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) sector, Dubai's ADR growth reflects its ability to balance occupancy and premium pricing. Hotel occupancy averaged 78 per cent in 2024, up from 72 per cent in 2023, driven by events like the Dubai Shopping Festival, COP28, and a packed calendar of concerts and sports tournaments. The travel and tourism sector's contribution to the Middle East's GDP skyrocketed by 25 per cent in 2023 to $460 billion, with Dubai at the epicentre. International visitors spent $179.8 billion in 2024—a 50 per cent YoY jump—while domestic tourism grew by 16.5 per cent, reaching $205 billion. The sector's regional economic impact is projected to hit $507 billion in 2024, creating 550,000 new jobs. In Dubai alone, hospitality employs over 400,000 people, with roles spanning luxury retail, aviation, and event management. Globally, 2024 marked a milestone with 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals—an 11 per cent increase from 2023—and $1.9 trillion in tourism export revenues, as per the UN Tourism World Tourism Barometer. The Middle East emerged as the fastest-recovering region, with arrivals 32 per cent above pre-pandemic levels. Dubai accounted for nearly 30 per cent of the region's tourism revenue, aided by its early reopening post-Covid and investments in safety certifications.
Trade Arabia
05-03-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Dubai's hospitality sector grows 9.2pc YoY in 2024
Dubai's hospitality sector experienced a 9.2% YoY growth in 2024, hosting 18.72 million visitors, marking a record increase, reported Emirates NBD. Factors contributing to this growth include the resumption of direct Emirates flights to Nigeria and a new interline agreement between Emirates and West African carrier, Air Peace. Western Europe was the largest source market, contributing 14.8% to the annual figure, while South Asia expanded by 1.6%. Dubai now leads most global cities in terms of available hotel and hotel apartment rooms, with close to 154,016 rooms. The city offers a wide range of options across price spectrum, with 64% of rooms concentrated in the four-star (28% of total available rooms) and five-star (35%), 19% in the one to three-start categories, and 17% in hotel apartment units. An additional 3,000 rooms are expected to be added by the end of 2025, with the majority concentrated in the five-star and four-star category followed by serviced apartments. Dubai also leads most other regional markets in terms of average daily rates (ADR), with an average of $154 in 2024. The only cities with higher ADRs are Riyadh and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, which have seen a surge in business travel and MICE-related tourism. Regional tourism has further supported Dubai's growth, with the travel and tourism sector in the Middle East growing by more than 25% in 2023 to reach almost $460 billion. The hospitality sector supported over 7.75m employment, with international visitor spending growing by 50% YoY to reach $179.8 billion and domestic visitor spending growing by 16.5% to reach over $205 billion.
