Port Harcourt Airport Shut, re-opened for safety

Abiodun OBA

The Port Harcourt International Airport has been temporarily closed following a bush fire incident near the area.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced the temporary closure on Saturday.

In a statement, the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, FAAN, Mrs Henrietta Yakubu, made the announcement explained that the temporary closure of the runway was part of safety precautions.

“A joint team from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency is presently evaluating the situation.

“This is with a view to ensuring that the airside is cleared of smoke and restoration of normalcy at the airport,” she said.

However after a careful evaluation and mitigation of the impact of the bush fire Mrs Yakubu in another statement on Saturday night, announced the reopening of the airport for normal flight activities.

The FAAN Spokesperson said, “Following a careful evaluation and mitigation of the impact of the bush fire earlier reported around the Port Harcourt International Airport and the dissipation of smokes around the airside, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria wishes to inform the general public that the airport has now been re-opened to operations.

“Normal flight activities have therefore re-commenced at the airport,” Mrs. Yakubu said.

She assured Nigerians that FAAN was committed to its core values of safety, security and comfort of passengers and airport users.