Air-to-ground communication equipment gone in MMIA fire, NAMA reveals
• Agency sustains services with backup systems The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has confirmed that the fire at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, destroyed its air-to-ground communication
• Agency sustains services with backup systems
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has confirmed that the fire at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, destroyed its air-to-ground communication equipment but assured that the nation’s airspace remains safe.
NAMA Managing Director, Engr. Umar Ahmed Farouk, said the agency immediately deployed its directors of operations and engineering to the scene and activated backup systems to sustain air traffic services.
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“It was a huge loss as far as communication is concerned, and other air traffic services were really disrupted,” Farouk said.
He, however, noted that communication, aerodrome approach and air traffic control systems remain operational through contingency facilities.
“The fire has affected our air-to-ground equipment, but we were able to sustain operations with backup facilities. By next week, a mobile tower will be in place,” he said, adding that the agency is still assessing the financial impact of the incident.
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Farouk commended NAMA personnel for their prompt response, saying some staff risked their lives to contain the situation.
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“Some of them actually put their lives in danger. They were supposed to run and leave their positions, but they stayed to salvage the situation,” he said.
The fire, which occurred on Monday, also damaged equipment belonging to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) housed in the facility.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced plans to demolish the affected terminal and reconstruct it.
