Asky Airlines’ B737-700 aircraft with flight number ET-AVP, which landed at the airport
at 3:30 p.m from Lome, the Togolese capital, had 91 persons on board, comprising 85
passengers and six crew members.
Commenting on the maiden flight, the Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of
Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. Saleh Dunoma, said the new terminal had been positioned to meet
passengers’ expectations.
Dunoma said he expected other international airlines to move into the new terminal as
soon as possible, saying that it was a great departure from what was obtainable at the old
terminal in terms of equipment and passenger facilitation.
According to him, other airlines have to key in because “you cannot compare this terminal
and the old one because if you are looking for safety, passenger facilitation and comfort,
this is the place”.
Mr. Sani Mahmud, Regional General Manager, North Central, FAAN/Airport Manager, NAIA,
said the maiden operation was hitch-free with the successful processing of 91 passengers on
board Asky Airlines from Lome, Togo and the departing passengers to Ndjamena on the
same flight.
Mahmud assured that all the facilities in the terminal had been tested and certified perfect
to handle all international flights, adding that the commencement of operation by Asky was
a confirmation.
According to him, WiFi is available and trolleys are also available for free in the terminal.
A passenger, who is a Chadian and married to a Nigerian, Mrs. Patricia Monomon, said she
was experiencing the best flight experience in Nigeria for the first time.
Monomon said the terminal could be described as one the best anywhere in the world,
saying it was a great achievement in the air transport sector.
She urged the government and the airport management to ensure that the facility was
properly maintained to retain the standard, adding that the major problem in Africa was
maintenance.
“The last time I travelled through this airport was like a nightmare, but I can’t imagine the
experience of today in this same airport because this time around it is really fantastic.
The terminal, which was inaugurated by President Buhari on December 20, 2018 is one of the
four international terminals being constructed by the China Civil Engineering and
Construction Corporation (CCECC). Others are in Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt.
The $600 million project comprises $500 million loan from the Export-Import Bank of China
(China EXIM Bank). The balance of $100 million is the contribution from the Nigerian
government.