ALMOST four months after its closure, the runway of the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, was yesterday re-opened by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The runway was shut then for asphalt resurfacing and overlay.
FAAN’s Managing Director, Mr. Richard Aisuebeogun, disclosed this last week in Calabar after inspecting the 2.45m x 45m runway in the company of the General Manager, Civil, Jonathan Agbo, the Project Manager, Akilo, and other officials of the security agencies at the airport.
Aisuebeogun, who expressed satisfaction with the completion of the work, had directed that the Director of Environmental Services of FAAN, Mohammed Bello, to facilitate the cleaning of the runway to ensure that it is free of any foreign object deposit (FOD).
The FAAN boss observed that the sweeping of the runway would be done within the next 48 hours after which the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority would be invited for the final inspection and approval of the completed project.
He said: ‘We have done all that is required technically on this runway rehabilitation to enhance safety of flight operations to this airport. Just like in Enugu Airport, what we have done in Calabar is complete rehabilitation. Since the construction of these airports, their runways have undergone minimal surface maintenance and in most cases ad hoc rehabilitation.
Having undergone the rigours of travelling from Uyo to Calabar like other passengers, Aisuebeogun opined that the reopening of the Calabar runway would assuage the transportation sufferings of the people of Cross River, while boosting tourism and other socio-economic activities in the state and the entire south-south region.
He lauded the Minister of Aviation for her support and understanding towards ensuring the successful completion of the project.
The FAAN boss also thanked the state government and the travelling public for their support and patience during the closure of the runway, assuring them of the authority’s improved service delivery.
Sep182011