How Nigeria can maximize its 18 non-viable airports
A participant from the aviation sector, Bankole Bernard, suggested to Ikeja on Sunday that shopping malls should be built at 18 non-viable airports in the country to generate revenue. He told News Agency of Nigeria that only four airports, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja and Kano, out of the country's 22 airports, are viable.
The operations of the other 18 airports had not been sustainable over the years, he added.
Mr. Bernard, group managing director of a holding company in the aeronautics sector, spoke with NAN on the sidelines of the 26th annual conference of the League of Airport and Aeronautical Correspondents.
According to him, efforts to improve operations at Owerri Airport to operate from sunrise to sunset have proven fruitless over the years.
He urged federal and state governments to consider building malls and other facilities that would attract more commercial activity to unviable airports.
He stressed that aviation operates according to international standards and called on governments at all levels to learn from other countries that are ensuring the commercial viability of their airports by thinking outside the box.
"What are the possible solutions to consider given the many challenges we face in the industry? We can start with the modernization of airport terminals with shopping malls.
"This will contribute to the commercial viability of airports and other necessary infrastructure like the internet and a constant power supply to support businesses.
"We need to start thinking about an alternative energy source like renewables to keep airports running and reduce long-term operating costs.
READ ALSO: Calabar Airport records 19,237 passenger movements in six weeks
"It will also make airports viable and attractive.
“There is the area of interconnectivity within airports. Interconnectivity of local airports with international airports will contribute to the economic viability of airports,” he said.
He argued that the suggestions he made would further improve business operations and increase non-aeronautical revenue at the 18 airports that were not viable.
He added that the government could also consider providing affordable hotels, which would give credit to investment in the industry.
Mr. Bernard pointed out that the possibility of providing Bed & Breakfast hotels around the terminals of some of the moribund airports would be very attractive, while also increasing the viability of the airports.
NAN reports that the theme of the Airport Correspondents Seminar is: "Sunset Airports - the Safety and Economic Involvement".
(NAN)
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A participant from the aviation sector, Bankole Bernard, suggested to Ikeja on Sunday that shopping malls should be built at 18 non-viable airports in the country to generate revenue. He told News Agency of Nigeria that only four airports, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja and Kano, out of the country's 22 airports, are viable.
The operations of the other 18 airports had not been sustainable over the years, he added.
Mr. Bernard, group managing director of a holding company in the aeronautics sector, spoke with NAN on the sidelines of the 26th annual conference of the League of Airport and Aeronautical Correspondents.
According to him, efforts to improve operations at Owerri Airport to operate from sunrise to sunset have proven fruitless over the years.
He urged federal and state governments to consider building malls and other facilities that would attract more commercial activity to unviable airports.
He stressed that aviation operates according to international standards and called on governments at all levels to learn from other countries that are ensuring the commercial viability of their airports by thinking outside the box.
"What are the possible solutions to consider given the many challenges we face in the industry? We can start with the modernization of airport terminals with shopping malls.
"This will contribute to the commercial viability of airports and other necessary infrastructure like the internet and a constant power supply to support businesses.
"We need to start thinking about an alternative energy source like renewables to keep airports running and reduce long-term operating costs.
READ ALSO: Calabar Airport records 19,237 passenger movements in six weeks
"It will also make airports viable and attractive.
“There is the area of interconnectivity within airports. Interconnectivity of local airports with international airports will contribute to the economic viability of airports,” he said.
He argued that the suggestions he made would further improve business operations and increase non-aeronautical revenue at the 18 airports that were not viable.
He added that the government could also consider providing affordable hotels, which would give credit to investment in the industry.
Mr. Bernard pointed out that the possibility of providing Bed & Breakfast hotels around the terminals of some of the moribund airports would be very attractive, while also increasing the viability of the airports.
NAN reports that the theme of the Airport Correspondents Seminar is: "Sunset Airports - the Safety and Economic Involvement".
(NAN)
Support the integrity and credibility journalism of PREMIUM TIMES Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy and a transparent government. For free and continued access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider providing modest support to this noble endeavour. By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help sustain relevant journalism and keep it free and accessible to everyone.Donate
[embedded content]TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT: Call Willie - +2348098788999
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