Aviation

Abuja Airport ‘s New Terminal Begins Operations, Oct – FAAN MD

Published

8 years ago

July 13, 2018

The Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr Saleh Dunoma, says the new terminal building under construction at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja will become operational in October.
Dunoma gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen when President Muhammadu Buhari, inspected the project after the inauguration of Abuja Metro line yesterday.
He said the government and other stakeholders were prevailing on the contractors, China Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC) to ensure the completion of the project by August.
Dunoma said all the challenges that hitherto hindered the completion of the project had been addressed.
He explained that the issue of water and power supply had been handled by the government, adding that the Ministry of Federal Capital Territory had promised to connect the airport to its water supply system.
According to him, Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved an independent power supply for the airport.
“So all these works are coming on and by October, they will all be functional and that is when we will start using the terminal building.
“We are pressing the contractor to finish in August so that we can start operations in October and all the stakeholders are working together to ensure this.
“The relocation of control tower and fire station has nothing to do with the terminal building.
“Those issues are going to be handle in the next stage of the items of work that we need to carry out but that will not stop us from using the terminal building.”
FAAN boss expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done, adding that the train station would be linked to the existing terminal for seamless movement of passengers.
He explained that there were still more works going on within the airport which includes two car park buildings to be constructed on both wings of the terminal.
According to him, there are so many things to be done but between now and October when we plan to start operations in the new terminal, the road network would have been completed.
“Abuja and Port Harcourt airports terminal buildings are on the same level but because of the volume of traffic in Abuja, we prefer to start operations here first.
“You can see there are congestion here and there and if we must ease up operation, we must complete this project
“We are also working hard to put old facilities in order so that by the time we start operations here everything will be renewed.
Dunoma said that there was a programme in place to ensure the execution of the second runway project.
The Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, said the rail would make movement in and out of the airport to be seamless.
Sirika said the light rail would also make transportation more efficient, adding that it would allow people to connect to their businesses and work places in much faster time than before.
“It will reduce the pressure on our roads, ease traffic congestion on all the arteries that lead to airports around the world.
“So, Abuja will be a classical example of multi modern integration and transportation which eases things and makes them better,” he said.

Aviation

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

Published

3 months 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

3 months 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

3 months 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.