Disused airplanes hamper security, airport aesthetics

 Security and surveillance at airports across Nigeria will improve significantly if the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) receives permission to remove abandoned aircraft from the graveyards according to experts.

Some of them who spoke to Aviation Metric said various Ministers have called for the owners of the disused aircraft to repeatedly issue directives for owners to remove their unserviceable aircraft to enhance security coverage.

However, litigation involving nearly all these aircraft has resulted in them remaining unmoved until all legal matters are resolved.

A former Assistant Secretary-General of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Mohammed Tukur said dealing with these litigations or finding a lasting solution will chart a path forward as the current status quo does not help.

He explained that the MMIA is not the only airport with an abandoned aircraft issue, adding that the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and Mallam Aminu Kano International also have their fair share of unused aircraft.

Speaking recently on measures to boost security around the nation’s airports, FAAN’s Director of Security Services, Igbafe Albert Afegbai, admitted the situation was delicate.

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations and guidelines call for the removal of unserviceable aircraft from critical areas of aerodromes to ensure safety, efficiency, and security.

Adhering to these standards, he said helps maintain the operational integrity of aerodromes and mitigates potential hazards associated with abandoned aircraft.

He said that Annex 14, which deals with Aerodromes, provides guidelines and standards related to the management of unserviceable aircraft at aerodromes.

It further emphasizes the importance of keeping aerodrome operational areas clear of obstructions, including unserviceable aircraft.

Annex 14 states that aerodromes should be managed to ensure safety and efficiency.

The presence of unserviceable aircraft in critical areas such as taxiways, aprons, and runways can hinder these operations.

Unremoved aircraft he reiterated impede the safe and efficient movement of aircraft on the ground, posing operational challenges. 

“Unserviceable aircraft can pose security risks if not properly managed. ICAO’s standards call for measures to prevent unauthorized access to aircraft and related facilities. This ensures that abandoned aircraft do not become a security liability.”

“The accumulation of abandoned aircraft negatively impacts the visual appeal and ambience of Nigerian airports. Previous ministers have issued similar directives to remove these aircraft to improve the aesthetic quality of airport environments”.

 On January 29, 2018, FAAN stated that it had commenced the evacuation of thirteen (13) abandoned and unserviceable aircraft at the airside of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) in Lagos.

The evacuation started on January 26, with aircraft from Associated Air, IRS, Dana Air, Hak Air, Air Nigeria, Associated Cargo, Bellview, JedAir, Precision Aviation Handling Company, and TopBrass being relocated.

The relocation was deemed necessary to provide more space for airworthy aircraft to land, take off, and manoeuvre.

“We have considered legal issues. These aircraft are not helping us in any way. They occupy significant space needed for aircraft landing and take-off,” FAAN stated.

“FAAN is not taking possession of their aircraft but is moving them to another location within the airport where they will not serve as an eyesore or constitute a nuisance to activities on our airside.”

The presence of abandoned aircraft hampers developments such as apron expansion and presents a security challenge.

Despite the Minister’s directives, the status quo remains unchanged, posing ongoing operational difficulties.

On September 1, 2023, the Minister set a 90-day ultimatum for aircraft removal, which has since passed.

He emphasized the need to expand the apron and warned that the government might take independent action if aircraft are not removed within the specified timeline.

“Ultimately, after three months, we might be at liberty to dispose of these aircraft because we want to expand our aprons,” the Minister stated.

Wole Shadare