The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority on Friday denied habouring plans to close down the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, Enugu State.
A statement signed by Fan Ndubuoke, the General Manager, Public Affairs of NCAA, said a media report to that effect was false and misleading.
“The publication is mischievous and entirely inaccurate,” Ndubuoke said.
According to the statement, the NCAA’s role in civil aviation is regulatory, saying the Federal Government controls the policies, which it is exercises and directs by its prerogative in aviation matters, through the Federal Ministry of Aviation.
He said: “The NCAA’s standards with respect to airports, aircraft, passenger and operational safety, security and experience are primary and not necessarily determined by the designation of an airport as international or domestic.”
The statement noted that the relevance of such designation was only to the extent of the nature of equipment, traffic, security and uniform safety concerns.
He added: “In any case, the Gazetting of an airport is not one of NCAA’s considerations with respect to safety, security or passenger comfort and experience.
“It is entirely false and preposterous to insinuate that Gazetting constitutes a factor in NCAA’s technical analysis and certifications.
“Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, having complied with all the requirements, is permitted to receive and embark internationally-bound aircraft and passengers.
“The facilities and facilitation of passengers, crew and goods in international travel at the airport comply with globally accepted safety and security standards.”
The statement noted that other relevant agencies such as the Immigration, Customs and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency were satisfied with the airport and facilities for the purpose of carrying out their statutory duties.
Ndubuoke added in the statement: “The airlines and aircraft operating internationally into the airport have also conducted their necessary inspections and assessments for their equipment and crew handling, which they found satisfactory, failing which they will not operate.
“It is, therefore, untrue that any aircraft was denied passage into Enugu, on account that it was engaging in international operations.”
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