FAAN directs immediate removal of private jets from Abuja Airport
The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has issued a directive for the immediate relocation of all aircraft stationed at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
This move comes ahead of the upcoming inauguration of the new government, scheduled for May 29, 2023.
FAAN stated that the removal of aircraft parked at the Abuja airport is necessary to enhance safety during the forthcoming presidential inauguration.
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Among the aircraft stationed at the GAT terminal in Abuja are numerous private jets owned by wealthy individuals, companies, and airlines.
The relocation directive was communicated through a circular dated May 8, 2023, which was addressed to aircraft operators and signed by Kabir Mohammed, the Regional Manager of FAAN.
The circular, bearing reference number FAAN/ABJ/NAIA /RGM/NC/AM/1000/VOl-1, stated, “This is to inform you of the need to temporarily relocate your aircraft to alternate airports due to the upcoming Presidential Inauguration slated for May 29, 2023.”
“The Presidential Inauguration is a high-security event, and to ensure the safety and security of all parties involved, it has become necessary to temporarily relocate all aircraft parked at the GAT to alternate airports. Therefore, you are kindly requested to relocate your aircraft on or before May 22, 2023.”
Responding to this development, Capt Roland Iyayi, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency and the Chief Executive Officer of Top Brass Aviation, expressed concerns that a majority of the aircraft parked at the GAT terminal in Abuja are currently non-operational.
Consequently, he questioned the feasibility of relocating these aircraft from their current location.
“Most of the aircraft parked there cannot fly, so if FAAN is asking for aircraft to be moved, it would suggest that they possess information that we are unaware of. I don’t think it’s possible because most of the aircraft parked there are not in working condition. If they are non-operational, how can you move them?”