ONSA restricts helicopter flights over Abuja metropolis

THE National Security Adviser has reminded the aviation authorities of the restriction on helicopter flight over Abuja metropolis for security reasons.

The reminder was issued to regulatory stakeholders through a memo titled “Restriction of Helicopter Ferry Flights Over Abuja Metropolis”

It said, following the temporal closure of the Abuja Airport, travellers are expected to travel via road or train to Abuja from Kaduna International Airport.

The memo reads:”The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has reminded aviation authorities of the restriction of helicopter ferry flight over Abuja metropolis for security reasons.

“In view of the closure of the (Abuja) airport, air travellers will be required to travel by road/train to Abuja from Kaduna International Airport.

“This will undoubtedly cause constraints on the movement of some passengers who will aim to travel using other means, notably the use of commercial ferry helicopters.”

It warned that no charter or commercial helicopter ferry flights are allowed to fly within Abuja airspace.

“Please be reminded that the airspace over the Federal Capital Territory Abuja is controlled and only security flights or those with the requisite security clearance from the Presidency are granted overhead clearance for obvious security reasons.

“Consequently, you are to note and ensure that no charter or commercial helicopter ferry flights are allowed to fly within Abuja airspace,” it reads.