The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has praised Governor Siminalayi Fubara for supporting upgrades that secured global safety certification for the Port Harcourt International Airport.
Lynda Ezike, Regional General Manager, South South Airports, presented the certification and operating licence to the governor during a courtesy visit on Friday.
Ezike said the certification followed the airport’s successful compliance with safety requirements set by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and International Civil Aviation Organisation.
She explained that extensive infrastructure upgrades, expansion, modernisation and deployment of critical safety equipment enabled the airport to satisfy internationally recognised aviation standards.
According to her, the certification marks a historic achievement, arriving about four decades after Port Harcourt International Airport began operations.
She credited the Rivers State Government, under Fubara’s administration, with providing vital support that contributed significantly to attaining the long-awaited certification.
She said: “We came here on a historic note to present the certificate to His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, because he made it possible.”
Ezike described the achievement as significant, saying the airport, serving Rivers State and the South South, had now attained globally recognised safety certification.
She added: “This certification is no mean achievement.
“The Port Harcourt International Airport is now certified.
“The stage is set for more international operations as airlines can now operate with assurance that globally accepted safety standards have been met.”
Ezike said the certification reflected Fubara’s commitment to infrastructure development and the provision of equipment required to satisfy national and international aviation safety regulations.
According to her, this will strengthen the airport’s reputation and establish Rivers as an important participant in the global aviation safety programme.
She expressed confidence the certification would attract more international flights, stimulate investment, increase passenger traffic, and boost economic activities across Rivers State and the South-South region.
