FG orders private jets removal from Abuja airport

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has ordered the immediate removal of all aircraft stationed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport’s General Aviation Terminal in Abuja ahead of the next government’s inauguration on May 29, 2023.

FAAN stated that the evacuation of aircraft parked at the Abuja airport was necessary to improve airport safety for the upcoming presidential inauguration.

Many of the planes stationed at Abuja’s GAT facility are private jets belonging to affluent Nigerians, businesses, and airlines.

The relocation mandate was included in a circular dated May 8, 2023, sent to aircraft operators and signed by Kabir Mohammed, Regional Manager, FAAN.

“The Presidential Inauguration is a high-security event, and it has become necessary to temporarily relocate all aircraft parked at the GAT to alternate airports in order to ensure the safety and security of all parties involved.” To that purpose, you are respectfully asked to relocate your aircraft by May 22, 2023.”

Capt Roland Iyayi, former Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency and Chief Executive Officer of Top Brass Aviation, raised alarm about the issue, saying that majority of the aircraft parked at the GAT terminal at Abuja International Airport are unserviceable.

As a result, he predicted that removing them from the location would be difficult.

“Most of the aircraft parked there cannot fly, so if FAAN requests that aircraft be moved, it would imply that they know something we don’t.” I don’t think it’s possible; most of the aircraft parked there aren’t totally serviceable, and how do you transfer them if they’re not serviceable?”