Enugu, NIGERIA – The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has officially issued an Aerodrome Certification to the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) in Enugu.
Okay News reports that the certificate was presented to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Monday at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja. The Director-General of NCAA, Chris Najomo, confirmed that the airport achieved full compliance with both national and international safety and operational standards following a rigorous five-phase evaluation. This evaluation covered infrastructure inspections, safety management systems, emergency preparedness, and specialized personnel training.
The certification aligns with the stringent requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Without this license, an airport cannot be legally recognized as compliant with international aviation law. Ahmad Abba, representing the NCAA, noted that this achievement proves Nigeria is on track in meeting global aviation safety benchmarks.
Reacting to the development, the Enugu State Commissioner for Transport, Obi Ozor, hailed the certification as a major boost for Governor Peter Mbah’s vision to transform the state into a $30 billion economy. He noted that the move would increase the airport’s credibility, positioning Enugu as a major aviation hub capable of attracting more international airlines and routes.
Founded fifty years ago, the airport has undergone significant upgrades recently, including the installation of new CCTV systems, security perimeter fencing, and advanced firefighting vehicles. Industry experts indicate that the new certification now allows wide-body aircraft, such as the Boeing 747, to land at the airport, paving the way for the facility to handle up to 10 international flights in the near future.
