THISDAY learnt that the re-opening of the airport became necessary because of the movement of the headquarters of the army to the state capital in order to ease logistics in the fight against insurgency.
Since the airport was closed, it had had adverse effect to the economic activities of the state as government officials, business organisations among others found it extremely difficult travelling to Maiduguri as road transport became more precarious due to the activities of the terrorists.
But THISDAY gathered from some domestic airlines that despite the re-opening it would still take some time before scheduled services would resume at the airport because the airlines must have to conduct their own security checks to ensure they would not risk the lives of their passengers.
Before now, it was only military air operations that could use the airport but with the re-opening, civil aircraft movement could take place at the airport in the form of charter services, personal aircraft flight and helicopter services.
The Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Saleh Dunoma, who confirmed the re-opening of the airport, called on the staff of the agency to be ready for service as the Maiduguri airport resumes operation.
Dunoma also commended staff for ensuring that facilities and equipment of the authority were maintained while the airport was shutdown.
He urged them to make safety, security and passenger comfort their main objectives in line with the mandate of the agency.
The FAAN boss assured them of management’s support as they operate in the midst of security challenges, urging them to keep supporting the federal government, especially the Nigerian military in the use of the airport’s facilities.
In his response, Maiduguri Airport Manager, Mr. Saidu Nazeef, appreciated the FAAN managing director for his support and special interest, noting that the workers have been encouraged to excel in their duties.
Source:THisday
