In preparation for the highly anticipated inauguration of the new government scheduled for May 29, 2023, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has issued a directive for the prompt relocation of all aircraft currently stationed at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
FAAN has emphasized that this measure is essential to enhance the overall safety and security of the airport during the upcoming presidential inauguration.
The GAT terminal in Abuja accommodates numerous private jets owned by affluent individuals, companies, and airlines.
The relocation order was communicated to aircraft operators through a circular dated May 8, 2023, signed by FAAN’s Regional Manager, Kabir Mohammed.
The circular, bearing the reference number FAAN/ABJ/NAIA/RGM/NC/AM/1000/VOl-1, states, “This is to inform you of a need to temporarily relocate your aircraft to alternate airports due to the upcoming Presidential Inauguration slated for May 29, 2023.”
Given the high-security nature of the Presidential Inauguration, it has become imperative to temporarily transfer all aircraft parked at the GAT to alternate airports, ensuring the safety and security of all parties involved. Aircraft owners are kindly urged to complete the relocation process on or before May 22, 2023.
In response to this directive, Captain Roland Iyayi, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency and the Chief Executive Officer of Top Brass Aviation, expressed concerns regarding the serviceability of the majority of aircraft parked at the GAT terminal in Abuja.
He noted that relocating non-operational aircraft might pose significant challenges.
“Most of the aircraft parked there cannot fly, so if FAAN is asking for aircraft to be moved, it would suggest that they possess information unknown to us. I don’t believe it’s feasible because the majority of the aircraft parked there are not in working order. If they are not serviceable, how can they be relocated?” Captain Iyayi remarked.
