FG won’t allow helicopters transport passengers from Kaduna to FCT

monjola sotubo

March 13, 2017 11:36 AM

NSA, Babagana Monguno

The Federal Government will not permit commercial helicopter flights to operate between Kaduna and Abuja, National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno has said.

Flights to Abuja are beingdiverted to Kaduna due to the closure of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on March 8.

The closure led some companies to begin advertising commercial helicopter flights for people who don’t want to join the government’s buses.

However, according to Monguno, only flights with requisite security clearance from the Presidency would be allowed to operate within Abuja’s airspace.

“In view of the closure of the airport, air travelers will be required to travel by road/train to Abuja from Kaduna International Airport. This will undoubtedly cause constraints on the movement of some passengers who will aim to travel using other means, notably the use of commercial ferry helicopters,” he said via a memo obtained by Punch.

“Please be reminded that the airspace over the Federal Capital Territory Abuja is controlled and only security flights or those with the requisite security clearance from the Presidency are granted overhead clearance for obvious security reasons. Consequently, you are to note and ensure that no charter or commercial helicopter ferry flights are allowed to fly within Abuja airspace,” he added.

ALSO READ: FG assures Kaduna Airport users of adequate protection

The Abuja airport will be closed for six weeks to enable the government repair a damaged runway.

monjola sotubo