FAAN reopens runway for flight operations after Dana Air incident

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says the runway 18L/36R has been reopened for flight operations.

On Tuesday, a Dana Air plane veered off the Lagos airport runway, leading to the diversion of other flights to the international airport.

In a statement on Wednesday, Obiageli Orah, FAAN’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, said the runway was reopened at 8.00 pm.

Giving an update, Orah said prompt actions were taken by FAAN’s emergency response team to evacuate and recover the aircraft from the scene.

“Subsequently, comprehensive clearing operations were conducted to ensure the runway was free of any Foreign Object Debris (FOD) that could impede flight safety,” Orah said.

“The FAAN Operations division and the Nigerian  Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) have jointly conducted a thorough  inspection of the runway surface and deemed it safe for the resumption of operations.”

She added that an appropriate notice to airmen (NOTAM) has been issued in this regard.

“We acknowledge the area affected by the overshoot was significantly muddy. A concerted effort was made for the thorough and efficient cleaning of the area to facilitate the swift resumption of operations on Runway 18L/36R,” Orah said. 

Furthermore, FAAN expressed its gratitude to the travelling public, its airline partners, as well as all stakeholders for their patience, understanding, and cooperation during the temporary closure.

The authority extended their apology for any inconvenience the incident may have caused.

FAAN said ensuring the safety and security of its passengers, staff, and airport operations remains its top concern.