Repairs to cause more flight delays for 3 months
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Air travellers, particularly local ones, will have to put up with more flight delays at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos as the domestic wing is up for a rehabilitation anticipated to last three months beginning 8 July.
The domestic wing will be closed completely to effect repairs on equipment and install Air Field Lighting.
“As part of efforts aimed at improving safety and efficiency of flight operations at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria [FAAN] has concluded arrangements to complete the installation of CAT III Airfield Ground Lighting system on Runway 18L/36R.
“The project, which will commence effectively on Friday, July 8, 2022, is expected to last for 90 days,” acting FAAN Corporate Affairs General Manager Faithful Hope-Ivbaze explained in a statement.
“Consequently, Runway 18L/36R will be closed to flight operations during this time. However, stakeholders are to note that there will be no disruption.
“All normal flight operations will be conducted through runway 18R/36L. A NOTAM (Notice to Air Men) to this effect has already been published and disseminated accordingly.”
FAAN has held a meeting with airline operators where the timeframe and modalities were communicated.
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Cost implications for airlines
Nairametrics reports that the closure of MMIA local wing means international and domestic airlines will use the international runway (18R/36L) for landing and take-off during the three-month period.
There may be slight delays to flights and it is envisaged local airlines would bear more of the brunt.
With the closure of the domestic runway, there will be additional delays of traffic, inbound and outbound-Lagos both domestic and international.
For domestic carriers, this brings additional costs in terms of fuel but international carriers may not be affected because they have a scheduled arrival time.
Airlines blame flight delays, cancelation on lack of airport infrastructure
Airlines blame flight delays and cancellations and other sundry hassles experienced by fliers on infrastructure deficiencies at Nigerian airports despite heavy taxes and levies paid by operators and travellers to the authorities.
These charges are paid to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the industry regulator; and the FAAN, which manages commercial airports and provides services to passengers and airlines.
Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) Abdulmunaf Sarina said most flight problems are outside the control of carriers which grapple with inadequate facilities at airports.