FAAN Opens Lagos Runway 18R, Warns Against Encroachment Into MMIA Through Perimetre Fence
The Runway 18R/36L of Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos today, Saturday, February 17, 2024, witnessed its inaugural flight by Kenya Airways with registration number 5YCY, which landed at 11:33hrs, after almost one year of closure for renovation.
The Kenya pilot, Capt. Meme Kondwani, who flew the Boeing 738, confirmed that the surface of the Runway was smooth and also added that all the facilities are good.
Runway 18R was shut down by Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), in the interest of safety and renovation work was carried out during this period of shutdown.
A statement signed by Mrs. Obiageli Orah, FAAN’s Director, Public Affairs & Consumer Protection expressed hopes that the reopening of this Runway 18R would rightly address the needs of international airlines as well as reduce traffic on the Runway that is currently in use.
FAAN in another statement says “there has been incessant incursion into the airside of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, as a result, the Military Airport Commandant , Group Capt. ED Okolo has issued a ” A RESTRAINING ORDER ” against anyone caught trying to gain access into the runway of the airport through the perimeter fence.
It has been observed that there is an increased rate of incursion into the airside, through the perimeter fence, with far-reaching consequences. Furthermore, theft of Runway lighting occurred not too long ago. All these occurrences undermine the safety and security of the airport.
This practice does not only undermine the security of the system but also imposes a huge financial burden on the Authority as damaged or stolen critical facilities must be replaced.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, is therefore appealing to the general public to please desist from illegal incursion into the airport environment through the perimeter fence. Perimeter encroachment is highly prohibited, and criminal offenders risk prosecution or possibly being shot at.
Every unauthorized or illegal structure around the airports would be pulled down. Be advised.
The Authority is also appealing to those who do not have any business at the airport to stay away. Anyone caught touting or loitering at the airport vicinity will be arrested and prosecuted.
The Joint Military Task Force (JMTF) has intensified their operations and made several arrests recently.
Airport users are also advised to park at designated car parks. Please avoid parking at drop-off zones to avoid being towed. Nigerians deserve good service, and we are committed to serving you better at FAAN.”
