The 3.9km 18R/36L Runway at Murtala Muhammed International Airport has been reopened by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.
Closed in April 2023 for an eight-week maintenance, the runway faced delays, stretching its closure to nearly a year.
During this period, crucial landing aids, such as airfield lighting, were stolen, causing further setbacks in reopening.
Runway 18R/36L is 3,900m (12,794 feet) and a width of 60m(197feet).
This closure disrupted traffic flow and airline schedules, extending beyond the initially projected timeline.
Fortunately, Links 2 & 3 of the Runway are now open, allowing international airlines to avoid using the domestic 18L/36R runway.
Already Kenya Airways has landed on the Runway welcomed with a water cannon salute marking the runway’s return to service.
Kenya Airways’ Captain Meme Kondwani, piloted the Boeing 738 flight with registration number 5YCY, to land at at 11:33hrs.
The pilot confirmed that the surface of the runway is smooth and also added that all the facilities are good.
Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of FAAN, hinted at the reopening in January, stating it might happen sooner than anticipated.
She said efforts are underway, coordinated by the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), to expedite the reopening process.
In preparation for the reopening, FAAN engaged with Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
“We are working closely with the contractor,” said Kuku, “with the support of the minister and permanent secretary, aiming for a swift reopening.” She had revealed.
FAAN hopes that the reopening of Runway 18R would rightly address the needs of international airlines as well as reduce traffic on the Runway that is currently in use.
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