Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has awarded a multi-million naira contract to “de-rubberise” runways at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, to Vindotco, an international firm.
Frequent landings and take-offs of aircraft cause aircraft tyres to peel, resulting in rubber deposits, which affect the state of the runways overtime.
FAAN’s General Manager (Public Affairs), Adeniyi Ajakaiye, said in a statement in Ikeja, Lagos that the project was being executed on the recommendation of consultants evaluating the operations of FAAN.
FAAN is collaborating with some ICAO-rated experts to ensure facilities at the nation’s airports meet required standards, ahead of the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) audit scheduled to begin on November 7.
Ajakaiye, however, said the “de-rubberisation” was essentially to enhance safety.
“The effect of accumulated rubber deposits on the runways, when not removed regularly, could lead to skidding of landing aircraft, resulting in mishaps”, he said.
He disclosed that the project would be extended to the aprons, where aircraft handling had resulted in spillage of oil and fuel, which could also make the aprons slippery.
Ajakaiye added that the aprons would, therefore, be de-greased, to enhance safety at the airport.