Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has ordered relocation of all airplanes parked at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) apron of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, ahead of the May 29 presidential inauguration.

The order, which some operators have found disturbing, was hinged on “security and safety reasons.”

The organisation, in a memo to concerned aircraft operators, yesterday, said the ceremony is a high-security event.

“And in order to ensure the safety and security of all parties involved, it has become necessary to temporarily relocate all aircraft parked at the GAT to alternate airports. To this end, you are kindly requested to relocate your aircraft on or before May 22, 2023,” the memo reads in part.

A private charter operator, however, said the order was rash and inconsiderate of business partners.

He said: “I still don’t understand what parked aircraft has got to do with political events. The directive is strange, and it shows you the mindset of those civil servants saddled with the affairs of businesses and core professionals.

“Will the unserviceable aircrafts be towed away from their current locations? Is FAAN ready to pay for the fuel wear and tear for relocation and also pay for landing and parking at those alternate airports? The letter did not state when the aircraft are required to return back to Abuja. Who does that?” (The Guardian)