The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has commended the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for his administration’s support in the transformation of the Port Harcourt International Airport, which has now attained full certification and operational licence after successfully meeting global aviation safety standards.
The airport, which has been in operation for about four decades, received the certification after complying with the stringent safety requirements of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), marking a significant milestone in its operational history.
The certification follows a comprehensive programme of infrastructure upgrade, modernisation and expansion at the airport, as well as the provision of critical safety equipment required to satisfy both national and international aviation regulations.
The Regional General Manager, South-South Airports and Manager of the Port Harcourt International Airport, Mrs Lynda Ezike, disclosed this on Friday while leading a delegation of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria on a courtesy visit to Government House, Port Harcourt.
The delegation visited Governor Fubara to formally present the certification, recognising the Rivers State Government’s contribution to the extensive improvements that culminated in the airport’s successful accreditation.
Speaking with journalists after the presentation, Mrs Ezike described the certification as a landmark achievement, noting that the airport now meets the safety standards prescribed by both local and international aviation regulators.
“We came here on a historic mission to present this certificate to His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, because he made it possible,” she said.
“This certification is no mean achievement. The Port Harcourt International Airport, which serves as the gateway to Rivers State and the entire South-South region, is now fully certified. This means the stage is set for increased international operations. More international airlines can now operate into the airport with the assurance that it complies with globally recognised safety standards.”
Mrs Ezike attributed the achievement to the unwavering commitment of Governor Fubara to improving aviation infrastructure within the state.
“The issuance of this certificate is a direct reflection of the unwavering support of His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, in the upgrade of airport infrastructure and the provision of critical equipment required to meet national and global safety regulations and standards,” she stated.
She added that the certification not only enhances the airport’s operational profile but also positions Rivers State as an important player in the global aviation safety programme.
Industry stakeholders believe the certification will boost investor confidence, facilitate increased international flight operations and strengthen Port Harcourt’s status as the aviation gateway to Nigeria’s South-South region, with attendant benefits for trade, tourism and economic development.
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