The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has reopened the 3.9km Runway 18R/36L of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, after almost 11 months of maintenance repairs.
In March 2023, FAAN announced the temporary closure of the international runway 18R/36L of the Lagos airport. The maintenance was reportedly meant to last for eight weeks.
The closure had disrupted air traffic and airlines’ schedules, having extended beyond the expected timeframe.
During the repairs period, both international and local airlines were using the runway 18L/36R, a shorter runway that is meant to handle only domestic flights.
However, Links 2 and 3 of the taxiway are now operational, providing international airlines an alternative runway, aside from the domestic 18L/36R runway.
The reopened runway 18R/36L has a length of 3,900 m (12,794 ft) and a width of 60 m (197 ft)
Kenya Airways has already utilised the reopened runway, receiving a ceremonial welcome, marking the runway’s return to service.
Also Qatar Airways also landed on the runway around past 11am on Saturday.
Earlier, the Nigerian Airspace had issued a Notice to Airmen, announcing the opening of the runway after midnight of February 15. However, due to last-minute that had yet to be closed, inspectors of the regulatory authority Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority stopped airlines from using the runway.
However, around 10am on Saturday, over 24 hours after the NOTAM was issued, airlines were eventually cleared to land on the runway.
The opening of the runway will provide succour for local and foreign airlines which use the airport.
During a recent inspection tour of vehicular movement at MMIA, the Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, had hinted that the runway 18R/36L would soon be opened.
She disclosed ongoing efforts, led by the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, and Airline Operators of Nigeria to expedite the process through an interim method.
The FAAN MG noted, “Concerning the 18Right runway, we did have some delays initially. Coming on board, we have asked that the contractor return to the site immediately. We have all the support from the Honorable Minister and the Permanent Secretary. “The reopening is planned for the next few weeks. We are keeping our fingers crossed. I know that our stakeholders have been waiting. We are working very closely to get it reopened.
“I am certain that it will not be as long as you waited. I do understand that the initial plan for that runway is six weeks. We will do our best. We did have some delays,” she said.
Despite unexpected setbacks, Kuku affirmed FAAN’s dedication to minimising additional delays and ensuring a seamless resumption of operations.
The MMIA holds its position as Nigeria’s busiest airport, serving as a vital hub for both domestic and international airlines.
The airport operates two runways – 18R/36L for international traffic and 18L/36R for domestic operations.
The domestic runway faced limitations for over 14 years due to the absence of airfield lighting and other components.
In November 2022, Air Field Light was successfully fixed, including approach lights, runway lights (Threshold and Centre), edge lights, and others, enabling the domestic runway to resume full 24/7 operations.
After the installation of airfield lighting at the domestic runway, the international runway (18R) underwent maintenance.
During this time of maintenance, international traffic was redirected to the domestic runway, which is now fully equipped with airfield lighting and other facilities for seamless 24-hour operation.
According to experts, runway closures pose financial challenges for airlines and airports alike.
Such closures can lead to increased costs for airlines and a direct loss of revenue for airports.
Airports generate income through landing charges to airlines, and when a runway is closed, this revenue stream is adversely affected.
Punch News