NIGERIANFLIGHTDECK has intercepted further communication about the closure of Runway 18L/36R of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos due to major works in installation of Air field lighting ( AFL)
Our correspondent gathered the runway will be closed totally from from midnight July 7th till September 5th 2022 for the installation while traffic would be diverted to 18R/36L the international airport for seamless operations.
FAAN in confirming the closure of the runway, in a statement signed by Ag. General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Faithful A. Hope-Ivbaze (Mrs) however said it would be closed for 90 days and a NOTAM to this effect has already been published and disseminated accordingly.
Her statement read in part, “As part of efforts aimed at improving safety and efficiency of flight operations at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has concluded arrangements to complete the installation of CAT III Airfield Ground Lighting system on Runway 18L/36R.
The project, which will commence effectively on Friday, July 8, 2022, is expected to last for 90 days. Consequently, Runway 18L/36R will be closed to flight operations during this time.
Read also: FAAN meets airlines, plans Runway 18L/36R closure for AFL installation from July 7
During the two-month long closure, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria ( FAAN) would be installing approach lights, Runway lights ( threshold, centerline, edge lights … etc. So that runway 18L/ 36R returns to full 24/7 operations as soon as possible.
FAAN had held a meeting with airline operators on July the 5th where the time frame and modalities were communicated
In a Notice to Airmen ( NOTAM) from the Aeronautical Information Services of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency ( NAMA), DNMM would be closed from 0000-23000 08/07/2022 to 05/09/2022 to effect the repairs.
Stakeholders feel it would be a gruelling two month for these airlines who would land at the international and asked if passengers would be offloaded there since the runway will be open at 2300 daily or whether airlines push back flights or organise an effective work plan with the airport authority to make it seamless for all involved.
In all, parties feel the runway light installation would be a great booster to MMA and Nigeria and further save tonnes of Jet A1 given the product’s pricing and unavailability most times.
