Huge indebtedness: FAAN withdraws services from Bebi Airstrip, Kebbi, Gombe airports

THE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has withdrawn its services to some private airports across the country owing to huge indebtedness to the government organisation.

Among the affected airports are; Bebi Airstrip in Cross Rivers State, Calabar State, Kebbi and Gombe Airports.

According to information gathered, while Kebbi is owing FAAN a whopping N607, 289, 972, Bebi airstrip in Calabar is indebted to the tune of N76, 772, 948.

“In a Notice To Airmen (NOTAM) issued on December 8, 2018, FAAN declared its intention to withdraw its Aviation Security, firefighting and rescue operations services from the affected airports from 12 midnight yesterday.

Following the service withdrawal, Arik Air through its Communications Manager, Adebanji Ola has confirmed the development and the subsequent decision of the airline to suspend flights into the airports.

A statement issued by the airline stated: “Consequently, Arik Air will be suspending its flights to Osubi Airport, Gombe Airport and move Port Harcourt flights to the General Aviation Terminal at the local airport from today, December 10, until further notice.”

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While advising Warri passengers to use Benin Airport as an alternative while Gombe passengers are to use Bauchi airport Adebanji added: “All Arik Air flights to Port Harcourt Airport, Omagwa will as from the same date operate from Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal One otherwise known as General Aviation Terminal (GAT).

“Arik Air regrets any inconvenience the closure of the three airports may cause its esteemed customers. The airline hopes the issue between FAAN and the airport authorities will be resolved soonest,” he said.