Akanu Ibiam Airport Gets First Ever International Certification

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued an Aerodrome Certification for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA), Enugu, to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

The certificate was presented on Monday at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja following the airport’s full compliance with both national and international aviation safety and operational standards.

The Director-General of NCAA, Chris Najomo, described the development as a major achievement, noting that it aligned with the stringent requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Najomo, who was represented by the agency’s Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Ahmad Abba, explained that the certification was sequel to a rigorous five-phase evaluation process encompassing detailed inspections of airport infrastructure, airside and landside operations, safety management systems, emergency preparedness, and personnel training.

“The certification of Akanu Ibiam International Airport is a testament to the collaborative efforts between the regulator and the operator. It demonstrates that Nigeria is on track in meeting international aviation safety benchmarks,” he said.

He also commended FAAN for its professionalism and sustained cooperation throughout the certification process, describing such collaboration as essential to maintaining consistent safety standards across Nigeria’s airports.

Speaking on behalf of the Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, the Director of Commercial and Business Development, Adebola Agunbiade, said the certification is a win for the country’s aviation sector and acknowledged the contributions of NCAA officials, FAAN technical teams, and other industry stakeholders whose expertise helped deliver a successful outcome.

“This certification is not an end, but a new phase of continuous improvement. We are committed to sustaining global standards and enhancing passenger experience across all our airports,” she stated.

Reacting, the Commissioner for Transport, Enugu State, Obi Ozor, described the certification as a boost for the Dr. Peter Mbah administration’s vision to grow the state from a $4.4 billion to a $30 billion economy and the target to make Enugu a major aviation hub.

Ozor commended NCAA for its professionalism and stringent certification, saying the development would boost the credibility of the airport in the eyes of international airlines and aviation bodies while also positioning it to attract new international routes.

Meanwhile, an Aerodrome Certificate is an official licence issued by the NCAA that confirms an airport meets all the required safety, operational, and infrastructure standards to legally receive aircraft and passengers.

It is required under ICAO Annex 14, which sets the global standards for aerodrome design, operations, and safety management. Without it, an airport cannot be recognised as being compliant with international aviation law.

The certification is viewed as a new dawn for AIIA, Enugu as it gets its first-ever international certification from NCAA and ICAO.

Founded fifty years ago, this airport has seen continued improvement. The recent concession arrangement of the airport has already begun to bear fruit.

The airport has, over the past few weeks, seen major uplift in its infrastructure, including new CCTV installations, complete security perimeter fencing, signs and signages, firefighting vehicles, among others, leading to this new certification.

This new dawn prepares the airport for extensive commercial expansion by the concessionaire, who envisions handling close to 10 international flights in the near future, as wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 747 can now land at the airport.