FAAN boss hails Ethiopian Airlines for operating flights to Kaduna route

Mr Saleh Dunoma, the Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has commended the management of Ethiopian Airlines for their confidence in Nigerian aviation industry.

Our correspondent reports that Dunoma was speaking against the background of the commencement of flight operations to Kaduna State by the airline.

Speaking to newsmen at the Kaduna International Airport on Tuesday, Dunoma said the new route would open up Kaduna to business opportunities, create more employment and catalyse economic activities in the state.

According to the managing director, the new route will also lead to additional traffic, and boost FAAN’s revenue generation.

“This flight is very important because you cannot invest in an airport like this and allow it to lie fallow.

Traffic means a lot to any airport authority and to FAAN and Kaduna airport, it is key because this will open ways for the development of the state.

“So, the international flight that is starting today will open up the travel route to all parts of the world.

“As they say, one kilometre of runway takes you to everywhere in the world but one kilometre of road cannot take you anywhere.

“So, this international flight starting today will make any business man to come to Kaduna and also any businessman can link the rest of the world from Kaduna.

“As far as FAAN is concerned, our revenue generation depends on flights, especially international. So, this is an opener for us to generate more revenue to maintain old facilities and investments made in this airport, and we are very happy,” he said.

The FAAN boss assured that the authority had enough manpower in the airport to ensure smooth operation of all categories of flights.

A passenger, Malam Abdallah Gambo, said he was delighted to be able to fly from Kaduna direct without having to travel to Abuja or Kano to board an international flight.

Gambo told NAN that he was traveling to Dubai, adding that the new route would make it easy for people of Kaduna and neighbouring states to make international trips.

He commanded the Federal and Kaduna State Governments for ensuring that the airport became attractive to international airlines.

“I must commend the effort of the Federal and Kaduna State Governments for the good job they have done in this airport,” he said.

Our correspondent reports that with the inaugural flight to Kaduna route, Ethiopian airlines now operates five routes in the country, which are Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Enugu and Kaduna.

It was also reported that the 2017 Hajj operation also commenced at the airport with Medview airline.