Airspace agency allays fears over weather

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) on Wednesday insisted that it has calibrated the Instrument Landing System (ILS) across airports in Nigeria for seamless navigation of aircraft within the Nigerian airspace.

Managing Director of NAMA, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu in a chat with Daily Trust assured air travelers and the operators of seamless navigation services during this year’s harmattan season and early next year.

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He was confident that the ugly situation experienced last year when foreign airlines had to divert flights to Ghana and other neighbouring countries would not be witnessed this year.

Akinkuotu spoke against the backdrop of the advisory issued by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) alerting airline operators of the prevalent severe dust, haze and fog across Nigerian airports which it said might hamper flight operations.

The hazardous weather is usually experienced during harmattan causing flight delays and in some cases cancellations.

Last year many foreign airlines had to divert Lagos-bound flights to neighbouring countries like Ghana and Benin Republic amidst outrage over failing navigational aids at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), the nation’s busiest airport.

Director-General of NCAA, Capt. Musa Nuhu in the advisory cautioned Pilots, Airline Operators and others to exercise caution over the prevalent weather conditions at the airports.

NCAA added that early morning fog may also be experienced in the months ahead especially along the coastal areas in the South.

“Travelling publics are however urged to exercise restraint and show understanding in this yuletide month as flights may be delayed or cancelled on account of weather situations.”

But the NAMA boss said the agency has calibrated all ILS and other navigation aids (NAVAIDS) in 15 airports across the country.