At last, NCAA grants Anambra cargo airport right to operate light aircraft

  • Only visual flights allowed for now-DG

 

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has given the all-clear to the Anambra State Government to put to use its multi-billion airport.

The NCAA in a letter by the Director-General, Capt. Musa Nuhu dated December 1, 2021, entitled, ‘Approval for opening Anambra International Cargo Airport”, and addressed to the Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano urged the state government to adhere strictly to safety, security, and COVID-19 requirements at the airport at all times.

Nuhu recalled NCAA’s initial response not to approve the airport for flight operations after commissioning, stressing that the agency was unable to grant Obiano’s due to adverse security reports which were conveyed to the Governor on October 28, 2021, vide letter with reference number> NCAA/AC/015/21/VOL/162.

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“However, I now wish to inform His Excellency that NCAA has received clearance from relevant security agency approving the opening of Anambra International Cargo Airport for flight operations”, said Nuhu.

He further stated that in view of that and in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) Part 12.1.4.1 (C), “I am pleased to inform His Excellency that the Authority hereby grants Anambra State government approval to operate category B aircraft (Dash8-Q400 or its equivalent on rescue and fire category 5), with effect from December 2, 2021”.

Anambra International Cargo Airport

The NCAA DG noted that the operation shall be Visual Flight Rules (VFR) only, meaning sunrise to sunset, adding that, “whenever outstanding requirements are met, all restrictions will be removed”.

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At the commissioning of the project a few weeks ago, the governor said five airlines had been approved to commence operation at the airport, including Air Peace United Nigeria Airline, Dana Airline, Ibom Airline, and Anap Jets.

He said he was fulfilled establishing the airport after more than 30 years of the creation of Anambra State.

The Governor also revealed that the airport was completed in 15 months and was optimistic of regulatory approval to commence operations.

“We began the airport to expand the frontiers of excellence in Anambra State seven years ago. We announced that our mission was to make Anambra State the first choice in investment destination and a hub for economic and commercial activities.

 “And we also said that our mission was to create a socialist table where indigenes and non-indigenes alike will have opportunities for wealth creation. This airport is the fulfillment of our vision and mission statement, the governor said.

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He noted that it is difficult to create a new economic corridor without a functional international airport that will serve as a direct bridge between the state and the world.

Wole Shadare

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