NCAA Grants Aerodrome Certification to Enugu International Airport

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has issued an Aerodrome Certificate to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, formally restoring the facility’s international operational status following a period of rehabilitation.

The certificate was presented Monday at NCAA headquarters in Abuja after the airport demonstrated full compliance with national and International Civil Aviation Organization safety and operational standards.

Ahmad Abba, NCAA Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, represented Director-General of Civil Aviation Chris Najomo at the handover ceremony. He characterized the certification as a significant milestone resulting from a rigorous five-phase evaluation.

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

The evaluation process examined airport infrastructure, airside and landside operations, safety management systems, emergency preparedness, and personnel training. Abba stressed the review was comprehensive rather than procedural.

Speaking for FAAN Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku, Director of Commercial and Business Development Adebola Agunbiade called the certification a victory for Nigeria’s aviation sector. She credited NCAA officials, FAAN technical teams, and industry stakeholders whose expertise contributed to the outcome.

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

An Aerodrome Certificate serves as an official license confirming an airport meets safety, operational, and infrastructure requirements to legally accommodate aircraft and passengers. Mandated under ICAO Annex 14, the credential verifies compliance with international aviation law.

Enugu airport had remained outside full international operational recognition since closing for upgrades. Monday’s certification restores its standing with global airlines and regulatory bodies while positioning the gateway to attract new international routes.