Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday, assessed the damages caused by a rainstorm which disrupted flight operations and damaged critical infrastructure at the Akure airport.

Rainstorm on Tuesday caused severe destruction to airport facilities, including the terminal building and control tower.

Mr Aiyedatiwa, while speaking after inspecting the affected areas of the airport, described the damage as devastating, and acknowledged the impact on airport operations.

The governor, however, commended the swift response of the federal government, through the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in addressing the situation.

Mr Aiyedatiwa also said that the manager of the airport and the contractor had been working at the new terminal.

He noted, “We were informed that the strength of the wind was about 65 knots, which is very strong and has caused so much damage to the infrastructure. It was so devastating, and several damages were caused. I want to commend the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN, for the quick response and deploying his men to attend to this so that the airport can start operation as soon as possible.”

The governor announced the donation of a fire truck to the airport and promised additional support to bring it back to full operations.

Mr Aiyedatiwa confirmed that the airport would resume operations on March 9, based on assurances from aviation authorities, as against the earlier notification of three months suspension of operations.

He said, “A lot of work has started at the terminal building and the control tower, and we’ve been given assurance that by Sunday, flight operations will resume here at the airport.

Ondo State Government will continue to support the repair process in any way necessary to ensure the airport reopens on schedule.”

Also, the manager of the National Airspace Management Agency, Samuel Famuyiwa, reassured that the situation was under control and not as severe as previously reported. 

(NAN)