BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has totally refuted claims reported by an online medium, “Foundation for Investigative Journalism”, which suggests that airlines cannot use the runway (18R/36L), at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos at night because the runway lights have been stolen.
Obiageli Orah, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of FAAN, while reacting to the report published on May 24, said it was a clear example of peddling falsehoods and mischief.
She explained that runway 18R/36L of the Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, was reopened for full operations on February 17th 2024 after 11 months of closure for rehabilitation work. “The runway has since been in use for landing and taking off of international flights without incident using Link 2 and Link 3.
“FAAN is proud to reveal that according to statistics made available by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Air Traffic Control Services, between April 1st 2024 and May 1st 2024, a total of 1,189 departures and 1,165 landings were recorded on the Runway 18R/36L.
“It is important to note that the MMIA is currently operating as CAT 2 Airport designated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The approach, edge, and centre line lights are in optimum condition and fully functional.
“Flights are taking off as well as landing on the runway, day and night.
“The ongoing contract work is an upgrade of the airfield lights to CAT 3. This work does not affect the operations of the runway in any way.
“At FAAN, we consider the media as our partners and we believe it is important that reporters are up to speed with verified information at all times. We operate an open-door policy. Efforts should be made to get input from us so we can better serve end users.
“The FAAN frowns at such unprofessional and mischievous reports and uses this medium to charge our media friends to cross check their information with us before going to press”, she stated.
