Nigeria: FAAN refutes misleading reports on Lagos Airport runway operations

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has strongly denied the recent misinformation disseminated by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism concerning the operations of Runway 18R/36L at Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. 

In a statement signed by Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, the agency said the online publication, released on May 24, 2024, inaccurately portrayed the condition and functionality of the runway, which is primarily used for international flights.

FAAN explained that runway 18R/36L was reopened for full operations on February 17, 2024, after being closed for 11 months for extensive rehabilitation. 

It stated further that since its reopening, the runway has been actively utilised for both landings and takeoffs of international flights without any reported incidents, according to FAAN.

FAAN cited statistics from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Air Traffic Control Services, revealing that between April 1, 2024, and May 1, 2024, there were 1,189 departures and 1,165 landings on Runway 18R/36L, underscoring its continuous and safe usage.

According to the agency, MMIA is currently classified as a Category 2 (CAT 2) airport by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). 

FAAN assured that the approach, edge, and centerline lights on the runway are in optimal condition and fully functional, supporting operations both day and night.

The agency also clarified that ongoing work to upgrade the airfield lights to Category 3 (CAT 3) does not interfere with the runway’s current operations. 

The authority emphasised that flights are continuing as scheduled without any disruptions due to these upgrades.

Expressing disappointment over the misleading reports, FAAN highlighted the importance of media responsibility and accuracy. 

The agency urged journalists to verify information with FAAN before publication to avoid spreading falsehoods. 

FAAN reiterated its commitment to maintaining an open-door policy to facilitate accurate reporting.

It also called on the media to act professionally and responsibly, ensuring that they provide the public with accurate and reliable information.

The authority assured that it remains dedicated to providing safe and efficient airport operations and will continue to update the public on any developments regarding airport infrastructure and services.

The statement: “Re: At Lagos International Airport, Flights Cannot Use Runway – Because   Lighting System Was Stolen 

“The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has read with dismay and thought it necessary to respond to the series of misinformation published on May 24, 2024, by an online media publication known as “Foundation for Investigative Journalism” on the Runway 18R/36L, which is the runway designated for international operations.

“Runway 18R/36L of the Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, was reopened for full operations on February 17th 2024 after 11 months of closure for rehabilitation work. 

“The runway has since been in use for landing and taking off of international flights without incident using Link 2 and Link 3.

“FAAN is proud to reveal that according to statistics made available by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Air Traffic Control Services, between April 1st 2024 and May 1st 2024, a total of 1189 departures and 1165 landings were recorded on the Runway 18R/36L.

“It is important to note that the MMIA is currently operating as CAT 2 Airport designated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). 

“The approach, edge, and centre line lights are in optimum condition and fully functional. Flights are taking off as well as landing on the runway, day and night.

“The ongoing contract work is an upgrade of the airfield lights to CAT 3. This work does not affect the operations of the runway in any way.

“At FAAN, we consider the media as our partners and we believe it is important that reporters are up to speed with verified information at all times. We operate an open-door policy. Efforts should be made to get input from us so we can better serve end users. 

“The FAAN frowns at such unprofessional and mischievous reports and uses this medium to charge our media friends to crosscheck their information with us before going to press.” 

Obiageli  Orah, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection.