From Premium Times Nigeria · Abdulqudus Ogundapo · · 2m
Nigerian lawmakers urge aviation regulators to consider alternative landing when VIPs are flying
Nigerian lawmakers demand aviation regulators redesign procedures to safely divert planes during VIP movements.
In brief
Nigerian lawmakers demand aviation regulators redesign procedures to safely divert planes during VIP movements. Nigerian Senate urges aviation agencies to implement alternative landing procedures for commercial aircraft when VIPs require temporary airspace restrictions. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
Senate urges aviation regulators
Nigerian lawmakers called for redesigning operational procedures to ensure aircraft are diverted to alternative airports when VIP movements require temporary airspace restrictions.
Motion on risks of holding patterns
Senate debated a motion highlighting risks of keeping aircraft airborne for extended periods during landing suspensions for VIP movements or security activities.
Senator Jibrin's concerns
Senator Isah Jibrin noted commercial aircraft sometimes remain airborne over an hour when landing operations are suspended for VIP movements or security activities.
International flights affected
International flights sometimes divert to alternative airports within Nigeria when airspace restrictions occur at their intended destinations due to VIP movements.
Security and operational requirements
Security and operational arrangements for VIP movements often require aviation and security agencies to protect officials and manage air traffic.
Nigeria's aviation regulations
Nigeria's aviation regulations grant priority to aircraft carrying heads of state or equivalent dignitaries during air traffic management.
2021 ICAO presentation
Nigeria presented VIP flight movement protocols to the International Civil Aviation Organisation in 2021 through direct coordination between civil and military aviation authorities.
Previous criticism
In April 2023, airline operators raised concerns about delays from VIP movements increasing fuel consumption and exposing passengers to operational risks.
Roland Iyayi's proposal
A former NAMA managing director proposed establishing dedicated air corridors for VIP movements to minimize disruptions to commercial aviation.
2017 legislative attention
In December 2017, the House of Representatives considered a motion expressing concern that VIP movements prevented commercial aircraft from landing on short notice.
Senator Diket Plang's warning
Senator Diket Plang questioned why aviation regulators allowed airlines to take off when VIP aircraft movements could disrupt landing operations.
Senator Abdul Ningi's criticism
Senator Abdul Ningi noted airlines and regulatory agencies were behaving as though Nigeria were a lawless country with widespread flight delays and cancellations.
Voice vote outcome
Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the motion to a voice vote and most senators supported the proposed changes to aviation procedures.
Committee action
Senate directed its Committee on Aviation to convene a meeting between lawmakers and aviation regulators to discuss implementing the proposed changes.
The key point
Nigerian Senate urges aviation agencies to implement alternative landing procedures for commercial aircraft when VIPs require temporary airspace restrictions.
