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FAAN threatens to cripple Uyo, Asaba, Gombe, Lagos airports over pay debts

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The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has threatened that it would shut down its services in nine airports where operators have not paid for services rendered unless the debts are paid on or before April 30th, 2019.

According to a circular issued on Monday, FAAN‘s Credit Control Department gave the latest ultimatum after an earlier one was not heeded by the airports.

Private airports to be affected include the Osubi Airport near Warri, Delta State, and the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2).

State airports are Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Delta State Airport, Asaba, Bayelsa International Cargo Airport, in Ammassona, Gombe State Airport, in Gombe, Jigawa State Airport, Dutse, Kebbi State Airport, Birnin Kebbi and Taraba State Airport, Jalingo.

READ ALSO: FAAN speaks on suspected fire incident at Abuja airport

FAAN services include security, aerodrome rescue and fire-fighting personnel. In the absence of these, there will be no flights, according to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

For some years, FAAN has been battling private/state airports  over  huge debts.

The circular read: “Following the notice of intention to sanction issued to owners/operators of private airports indebted to FAAN which lapses on Wednesday, 24th April 2019, FAAN hereby serves another seven days notice of grace till Tuesday, April 30, 2019, for them to settle the debts,” the circular read.

“In view of the above, the authority hereby notifies private airport operators that the services of our aviation security, as well as aerodrome rescue and fire fighting personnel, will no longer be available for operations of their airports with effect from Wednesday, May 1, 2019, as FAAN can no longer keep this personnel at airports without payment.”

According to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), no planes should take off or land at airports without these services available.

In the absence of these services, the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) would be directed to issue a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to restrict operations at the airports.

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