The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has threatened to shut down operations in two airports in Delta State along with seven other airports over rising debts, the Nation has learnt.

The nation’s civil aviation regulators vowed that except payments are made for services rendered on or before April 30th, 2019, operations will be shut down in Asaba and Osubi airports.

According to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations, airports that lack security, aerodrome rescue and firefighting personnel services will be shut down.

The was contained in a document issued by FAAN‘s Credit Control Department and obtained by The Nation which gave the latest ultimatum after an earlier one was not heeded by the erring airports.

It was gathered that privately airports to be affected include the Osubi Airport near Warri, Delta State, and the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2).

State-owned airports are Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Delta State Airport, Asaba, Bayelsa International Cargo Airport, in Ammassona, Gombe State Airport, in Gombe, Jigawa State Airport, Dutse, Kebbi State Airport, Birnin Kebbi and Taraba State Airport, Jalingo.

It was gathered that FAAN has been battling private/state airports over huge debts.

Part of the circular reads: “Following the notice of intention to sanction issued to owners/operators of private airports indebted to FAAN which lapses on Wednesday, 24th April 2019, FAAN hereby serves another seven days notice of grace till Tuesday, April 30, 2019, for them to settle the debts.”

•Sourced from The Nation report