Latest news with #ObiageliOrah
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.'
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Flight to DC returns to Nigeria with injured passengers after ‘unexpected aircraft movement'
A flight to Washington, D.C., returned to Nigeria after 'unexpected aircraft movement' caused injuries, United Airlines said. A statement from United emailed to The Hill on Monday said that one of its flights headed for Washington, D.C., out of Lagos, Nigeria, 'returned to Lagos after a technical issue and an unexpected aircraft movement.' The Thursday flight carried more than 240 passengers. 'It landed safely in Lagos and four passengers and two flight attendants were seen at a hospital for minor injuries and have been released,' the statement from United on the flight said. 'We are working with aviation authorities in the U.S. and Nigeria to understand the cause.' Late last Thursday morning, a United plane left Lagos's Murtala Muhammed International Airport, but came back early Friday morning 'hours later,' the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said Friday in a post on the social platform X. 'While all passengers and crew disembarked safely, four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries, and an additional 27 passengers and five crew members had minor injuries,' Obiageli Orah, FAAN's director of public affairs and consumer protection, continued in the post. Earlier this month, another United jet was clipped by another jet while they were taxiing at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). According to an emailed statement from an FAA spokesperson to The Hill, an American Airlines Boeing 737-800 jet 'struck the tail of' a United Airlines 787 jet while taxiing on separate taxiways at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
