Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika has said that Nigeria would provide alternative flights to London and other European countries if the British Airways and other foreign airlines continue to reject Kaduna airport for the six week Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, would be shut down for routine maintenance.
Sirika, who was answering reporters’ questions shortly after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, said that Nigerian officials are still in talks with the foreign airlines, including British Airways to resume air business in Kaduna.
The minister said that everything needed for safety and reliability in Kaduna airport has been provided and that there is no need for any airline to refuse to do business in the Kaduna, adding that even Ethiopian airline, the best in the world, has agreed to fly into Kaduna airport and is coming with its sophisticated aircraft to do business.
Hadi Sirika said that if the other foreign airlines continue to reject Kaduna airport, Nigeria would provide aircraft that would be running Kaduna-Britain and other routes every day, so as not to disrupt the businesses of those that have been flying the route.
He announced that despite the closure of Abuja airport, approval has been given for helicopters to fly into designated site in the city. [myad]
