Benin Airport Reopens for Flight Operations

Benin Airport Reopens for Flight Operations

 Logo of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Close to three months after the Benin Airport suspended flight activities, the management of the airport on Thursday announced its reopening as duly certified by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Flight operations were suspended at the airport on June 28, 2015 to enable authorities of the airport carry out rehabilitation work on the runway which was in bad shape as well as put in place other infrastructure considered crucial to flight operations and safety.

The Benin Airport Manager, Mr. Sunday Ayodele,  who spoke with journalists in Benin City, confirmed the resumption, stating however that the airport was never closed to other activities apart from the runway which needed to be fixed for the safety of passengers.

According to him, the airport was only suspended to flight activities by the various airlines flying in and out of the state.

Regretting the pains the suspension might have caused its numerous customers, especially passengers who use the airport, Ayodele observed that it was intended to ensure their safety and serve them better.

He disclosed that flight operations would commence this weekend, promising that adequate security measures had been put in place to prevent intruders from gaining access to the runway after the stowaway incident and other threats.

The chairman of Car Hire Services and users who have spend close to 35 to 40 years carrying out various business activities at the airport have expressed happiness that activities would soon begin following the suspension, saying this would enable them fend for their families.

They observed that members of the car hire services have understanding with security agencies at the airport to prevent any threat from persons who will want to take advantage of travellers.

With this, travellers who have made Asaba airport and land transport as an alternative since the suspension of flight activities in Benin Airport will now heave sigh of relief.