The entire South East geo-political zone has been left out in the recent designation of four international airports in the country as “Special Economic Zones” despite having an international airport in Enugu.
On August 24th, 2019, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) shutdown the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu for major repairs. The authority said the action was aimed at resolving the safety and security concerns to flight operations.
After 371 days of shutting down the airport, on August 30th, 2020, the airport was opened for operation by the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika after he confirmed the airport fit to commence operations.
However, the airport was conspicuously omitted by the federal government when it designated some airports as Special Economic Zones.
“I am very glad to announce that Mr President has Approved our four International Airports as Special Economic Zones. These are Lagos, Kano, Abuja & Port Harcourt. Our roadmap working,” the Minister of Aviation wrote via his twitter account.
Journalist101 recalls that the administration of Goodluck Jonathan designated the airport as an international airport and international flight operations were going on in the airport before it was shutdown.
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After more than 9 months after the Enugu International Airport was opened, international flights is yet to resume at the airport.
