The Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Kebbi is set to resume flight operations from Birnin Kebbi to Abuja on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024.
This was contained in a statement signed by the airport’s General Manager, Alhaji Habibu Kamba, and made available to journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.
The airport closure by the state government was attributed to the expiration of the agreement reached by the previous administration with the previous airline operator.
The Kebbi State Commissioner for Works, Abdullahi Umar, had in a recent exclusive interview with The PUNCH that the state government was already negotiating with a new airline to fly Kebbi routes.
He said the airport was not closed but the agreement reached by the former administration in the state with AZMAN Airlines elapsed at the expiration of the Atiku Bagudu-led administration.
“We didn’t close down the airport but it was because of the previous agreement between the last administration and the airline operator which has come to an end.
“I can assure you that this administration has completed all the paper work for another airline operator which in no distance time will make use of the airport for commercial activities.
“We are also in talks with the Federal Government which has shown interest in taking over the airport with three others in the country and I believe once that agreement is reached, we will let the public know,” he said in the interview.
Meanwhile, a statement signed and made available to our correspondent by the media aide to the governor, Ahmed Idris, on behalf of the management of the airport read in part “The Commissioner for Works and Transport, Abdullahi Umar Faruk, wishes to inform the general public that all is now set for the recommencement of flight operations from Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport Birnin Kebbi to Abuja from Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
“The operation will continue every Friday, Saturday and Wednesday of every week.
“This is in line with the vision and mission of the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris, to better the lives of the people and promote investment opportunities to Kebbi State.”