Unending Uncertainty Surrounds 10-Month Closure of MMIA Runway

• Foreign airlines continue to face operational challenges due to the prolonged closure of MMIA’s international runway with no confirmed reopening date
• Delays in reopening result from leadership changes at FAAN, causing revenue losses and inconveniences for airlines relying on domestic operations

Foreign airlines continue to grapple with operational challenges due to the prolonged closure of the international runway, 18R/36L, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA).

Investigations reveal that the reopening process faced delays following the change in leadership at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The former Managing Director, Mall. Kabir Yusuf, had planned to reopen the runway before his removal from office.

The new management is reportedly making final preparations for the runway’s reopening, addressing concerns of massive revenue losses and inconveniences faced by airlines relying on runway 18L/36R for domestic operations during the prolonged closure.

Foreign airlines using wide-bodied aircraft are forced to leave numerous seats empty to balance the aircraft’s weight, given that the active runway covers only 2,900 meters, shorter than the closed runway with a length of 3,900 meters—the country’s longest.

The closure, initiated on March 11, 2023, for an initial eight-week maintenance period, diverted both international and local flights to Runway 18L/36R, originally designated for domestic flights. However, reopening plans were hindered by the theft of Airfield Lighting (AFL), with the culprits still unidentified despite suspensions within FAAN.

As of now, foreign airline sources indicate a lack of updates on the reopening, resulting in continued revenue losses and reduced passenger numbers. FAAN and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) are also facing financial setbacks in terms of Passenger Service Charge (PSC), Ticket Sale Charge (TSC), and Cargo Sale Charge (CSC).

A source mentioned that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has directed the new FAAN management to expedite the reopening. However, no specific reopening date has been confirmed.

Responding to inquiries, the Special Assistant to the Minister on Media and Communications, Mr. Tunde Moshood, affirmed ongoing efforts but refrained from specifying a reopening timeline.