By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Minister of State for Aviation, Mr Hadi Sirika is to meet with Industry Stakeholders this week, in a round table to discuss the proposed temporary shutdown of flight operations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja for six-weeks.
The closure which is to take effect in February and March is for repairs on the runway at the airport.
According to the Minister, the Forum would afford him the opportunity to officially inform the stakeholders of the decision, and also brief them on efforts being made to ensure that the use of the Kaduna International Airport as an alternate during the Six-Week closure of the Abuja Airport is seamless and hitch-free.
In a statement, Mr Sirika emphasized that the Forum is in line with government belief in ventilating people’s opinions in formulating and executing policies.
Stakeholders who have been invited for the meeting would also be expected to make their contributions, and key into the plans to make their operations during the period less problematic.
Mr Sirika noted that government was aware of the likely high level of discomfort and inconvenience the proposed closure of the airport would cause air transport passengers, airline operators and other service providers, but explained that the decision was informed by safety and security concerns.