Aviation

Domestic Airlines Lose N20bn To Poor Lighting

Published

12 years ago

March 21, 2014

Nigerian domestic carriers
lose over N20billion annually to poor, inadequate or non-existent air field lighting at some Nigerian airports
The losses are incurred by the inability of the airlines to operate to some airports in the country beyond 6.00pm, so they lose revenue estimated to be over 10 billion annually as airlines like Arik Air and Aero could operate to all the airports till 10pm and beyond every day.
Aircraft which is meant to operate at least 16 hours a day is forced to operate for only eight hours, which means they are grossly under ultilised and such under ultilisation is neither good for the equipment nor to the coffers of these airlines.
In addition to the economic losses is the break of safety standards as non-lighting of the run way could endanger aircraft operation under sudden poor visibility and this is what has contributed to the refusal of the Intenational Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) from certifying any of the nation’s airports.
But the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), which has the responsibility of providing runway lighting to the airports, said it has started installing airfield lighting at some of the airports.
In late 2012, the agency installed mobile lighting at the Murtala Muhammed Interantional Airport, Lagos, known as Runway 18L and last month it installed passive reflector lighting at the taxiways of the domestic runway, thus completing the lighting systems at the runway.
The General Manager, Public Affairs of NAMA, Supo Atobatele, said that the agency engineers have finished rehabilitation and installation of runway in some airports which include Enugu, Abuja, Ilorin, Calabar, Port Harcourt and Yola.
“Right now they are maintaining approach and centre lines of the international runway at Lagos, airport known as Runway 18K.”
An official of Arik Air once told newsmen that the airline would rarely cancel flights if there is airfield lighting in all the airports in the country.
The official said Arik would have been flying late to Benin, Enugu, Calabar and other airports in the country where there is high demand of travelers especially on weekends.
Industry security expert, Group Capt John Ojikutu (Rtd) had observed that technically any airport runway that does not have airfield lighting is useless during emergency as aircraft under distress cannot land there after 6.00pm.
NAMA said that it plans to provide airfield lighting at the airports that do not have it now and all others where existing lighting has become obsolete will be rehabilitated.

President Goodluck Jonathan in a hand shake with some Delta State Commissioners on his arrival at the Asaba International Airport enroute Anambra State for the ground breaking for the second Niger Bridge in Onitsha, recently.

Aviation

Togo Govt Scraps It’s Visa Requirements For All African Countries

Published

1 month ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

The Togolese government has scrapped visa requirements for nationals of all African countries, effective May 18, 2026, meaning Nigerians with valid passports can now enter the country without applying for visa in advance.

African travellers can now stay in Togo visa-free for up to 30 days counting from May 18, 2026.

Visitors must still complete an online pre-arrival registration before entering the country.

The announcement came via the official X handle of Togo’s Ministry of Security, signed by the ministry’s head, Colonel Calixte Batossie Madjoulba.

Under the new policy, eligible African travellers can stay in Togo for up to 30 days without a visa, with the government describing the move as a commitment to Pan-African ideals and regional integration.

Government based the decision within a wider Pan-African agenda, stating that it reaffirms Togo’s attachment to “Pan-African ideals, continental solidarity, and community and African commitments, relating to mobility and regional integration.”

Togo also positioned the move as part of an agenda of “openness, modernisation, and attractiveness” aimed at making the country “a regional hub for services, business, culture, and human exchanges at the heart of Africa.”

There is, however, one step travellers cannot skip. Before arrival, visitors must register on the Togolese government’s official travel portal at voyage.gouv.tg at least 24 hours before reaching the border.

Nigerians can now travel to Togo without applying for a visa in advance.

The registration generates a travel slip that must be presented at entry points across land, air, and sea. The government has been clear that this pre-arrival formality remains mandatory regardless of the visa exemption.

Beyond the registration requirement, standard entry conditions still apply. Security checks, immigration screening, and public health requirements remain in place, and the waiver does not protect travellers who overstay or enter irregularly.

All border agencies have been directed to implement the new policy immediately.

Togo’s decision is part of a broader continental shift. Across Africa, more governments are moving to ease intra-African travel in alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area’s vision of freer movement of people and goods.

Togo is now among the more accessible West African destinations for Nigerian travellers, a short trip that previously required advance visa processing and now requires nothing more than a passport and a quick online registration the day before you fly.

Aviation

Egypt Flight Moves To Prevent Explosion —- Diverts London Flight To Rome

Published

1 month ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

An EasyJet flight from Egypt to London was diverted to Rome after a passenger was found with a power bank in checked luggage.

The airline said the diversion was made as a safety precaution due to regulations surrounding lithium-ion batteries.

Passengers landed safely in Rome and were provided accommodation and refreshments after the delay.

The aircraft, operating flight EZY2618 from Hurghada to London Luton, made an unscheduled landing at Rome Fiumicino Airport last Tuesday evening as a precautionary safety measure.

According to the airline, the decision to divert was taken after a passenger informed cabin crew that the portable charger was inside luggage stored in the aircraft’s hold.

Although no fire or malfunction was reported, lithium-ion batteries found in power banks are considered a significant safety risk on aircraft due to the possibility of overheating or catching fire.

Flight tracking data showed the plane cruising at approximately 36,000 feet over the Adriatic Sea before suddenly changing course and heading towards Rome, where it landed safely about 20 minutes later.

Passengers reportedly disembarked without incident, while the flight was rescheduled for the following day.

In a statement, EasyJet apologised for the disruption and said the diversion was carried out in accordance with aviation safety regulations.

“The safety of passengers and crew is our highest priority,” the airline said, adding that hotel accommodation, meals, and refreshments were provided for affected travellers.

“EasyJet’s policies state that power banks are only permitted in cabin baggage and must not be stored in checked luggage.

The airline also prohibits passengers from using power banks to charge devices during flights.

The incident comes as airlines around the world continue tightening restrictions on portable chargers and lithium battery devices amid growing concerns over onboard fire hazards linked to overheating batteries.

Aviation

Delta At 20: Delta Airline Expands Travel Access Ahead 2026 World Cup

Published

1 month ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

Delta Air Lines has announced a range of travel solutions aimed at easing the journey for Ghanaian football fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the United States and North America.

The announcement was made during an event in Accra marking the airline’s 20th anniversary in Ghana, as company officials highlighted plans to work closely with local travel agencies to ensure that fans can access tickets and travel packages well in advance for the global tournament.

According to Delta’s Managing Director for International and Specialty Sales, Rob LeBel, the airline is introducing flexible options tailored to different travel needs.

These include individual ticket purchases, discounted group packages for parties of ten or more, and charter services for larger groups.

He explained that the collaboration with travel agencies would also focus on educating customers about the best ways to secure flights during the expected surge in demand.

To expand travel routes, Delta is leveraging its partnership with European carrier KLM, offering passengers alternative connections through Europe when direct routes are fully booked.

The airline believes the upcoming tournament presents a major opportunity to strengthen travel ties between Ghana and North America, particularly as interest among football fans continues to grow.