Olubunmi Kuku, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has assured airlines and travellers that flight disruptions and delays have become a thing of the past since the international runway, known as Runway 18R became operational.
The runway which was put into service in February after it was closed for rehabilitation, has become functional work all the necessary facilities.
Kuku has said under her watch, no expense has been spared to ensure the safety of personnel and assets, as well as maintenance and upgrade of airport infrastructure.
She disclosed that airlines on international operations from Lagos have recorded improved on-time performance since the runway was put in use.
Kuku assured the travelling public of their safety, security and comfort, adding that contrary to some reports, the runway has been operating efficiently.
“As the incident commander of FAAN, safety as a unit has a General Manager who reports directly to me. We have put measures in place such that any issues that could potentially render a runway unserviceable are taken very seriously and acted on immediately.
“Our officers regularly carry out runway inspections, keep maintenance schedules and ensure all safety protocols are meticulously followed to ensure that all runways meet the global standards for safe aircraft operations.
“It is essential to note that the FAAN is bound by strict regulatory frameworks, national and international, that dictate the conditions under which a runway can be deemed unserviceable. Runway serviceability inspections are conducted regularly, and any discrepancies are promptly addressed to maintain the operational integrity of the airfield,” the FAAM boss said.
Runway 18R was reopened for flight operations on 17th February 2024 after it was shut down for maintenance on 11th March 2023. Since then, the Runway has been serviceable and operational with full compliments of runway lighting and features in compliance with Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations and Standards.
Data shared by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Air Traffic Control Services, confirmed that a total of 4,610 international landings and take-offs occurred on Runway 18R in April and May of 2024.
Kuku said FAAN’s management team has been diligently maintaining the runway and all other runways under their watch per regulatory requirements and industry standards. Mrs. Kuku added that since the President Bola Tinubu administration, there has been a renewed determination to improve the infrastructure at the airports.
