The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has commenced the process of validating the Gateway International Airport in Ogun State for commercial flight operations.
Speaking during the series of flight checks at the airport, the Manager of Flight Calibration Services at NAMA, Engr. Miri Selzing, said the validation process was aimed at confirming that all proposed flight procedures align with aviation requirements, as this marks the beginning of a comprehensive procedure designed to ensure the facility meets the necessary regulatory and safety standards for scheduled commercial air services.
“Our purpose for coming here is to check the proposed procedures that have been defined for the airport. This is a significant process and not something that can be concluded in a short time,” Selzing explained.
He added that the team had reviewed the airport’s procedural framework both in the air and on-site, and would conduct a detailed analysis upon return to base to make necessary recommendations or modifications.
“Physically, the airport looks very good. The runway, which is about four kilometers long, the longest in the country is very impressive. The terminal building is also of high standard. It’s a great job being done here,” he remarked.
Selzing applauded the State Government for executing such a massive project within a short period, advocating for the installation of an Instrument Landing System (ILS) and other essential navigational aids to support flight operations.
He expressed optimism that, with the level of development in place, the airport would soon become a hub for commercial airlines and serve as an alternative landing point for aircraft from Lagos, Ibadan and Ilorin.
Speaking, State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, confirmed that the NAMA team conducted flight checks on both the “23 and 05” runway headings and successfully identified the “waypoint.”
“This is one of the final stages required to secure full commercial certification for the airport,” Akinsanya noted.
He revealed that the airport development was a continuous process globally, the Gateway International Airport was 97 percent completed, with key infrastructure such as the control tower, air traffic control systems, firefighting units and other critical components fully installed.
The Gateway International Airport was expected to significantly boost the state’s economy by facilitating agricultural exports and easing regional air transportation.
