Domestic carriers prepare for relocation to Kaduna

Arrangements are in top gear by domestic carriers to relocate their manpower and resources to the Kaduna International Airport ahead of the planned closure of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Daily Trust learnt that the airlines making plan on Kaduna flight operations are those currently not flying to Kaduna while the airlines that fly to the state are also contemplating additional frequencies to meet the expected passenger surge.

Out of eight domestic airlines in the country, only three - Arik Air, Med-View and Azman Air operate to Kaduna while others like Air Peace, Dana Air, Overland, First Nation and Aero Contractors are not operating Kaduna flights.

However, with the planned shutdown of Abuja Airport for six weeks beginning from March 8, domestic carriers are rising to the occasion more so that most foreign airlines have indicated they would not be flying to Kaduna.

The domestic carriers would now be plying the role of connecting Abuja -bound passengers from Lagos to Kaduna.

The federal government through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had assured that Kaduna was ready for the expected increase in traffic once the Abuja airport was closed for the repair of its damaged runway.

When contacted, the spokesman of FAAN, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu confirmed the enthusiasm of the domestic airlines to rise to emerging opportunities and challenges.