All is now set for full flight operations in and out of Abuja airport. Investigations by our reporter showed that all the final props have been put in place waiting for commencement of operations. The new tarmac was ready several days ahead of the April 19 deadline thus vindicationg the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika who said he would resign his appointment if the airport was not ready as scheduled.

Meanwhile, Air Peace airlines says it will resume flight operations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Wednesday.

The announcement by the airline in a statement by its Corporate Communications Manager, Mr Chris Iwarah, on Monday in Lagos followed the completion of rehabilitation of the Abuja airport’s runway.

It commended travellers for keeping faith with it and by making a huge sacrifice to ensure that the repair of the bad portions of the runway of the airport was done.

Air Peace also praised the Federal Government and the Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, for ensuring speedy completion of the repairs of the facility.

“We are pleased to announce resumption of all our flights into and out of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with effect from April 19.

“The Federal Government shut the facility to traffic on March 8 to enable a six-week repair of its runway and diverted all Abuja-bound flights to the Kaduna International Airport.

“We considered the decision of the Federal Government to shut down the airport for quick repair of its runway in tandem with the high safety standards of our flight operations.

“At Air Peace, the safety of our esteemed guests is our first rule of business. We do not compromise on that for any reason.

“Although the decision to shut the facility to traffic came with huge costs, for us, nothing compares with safety.

“We are also aware that our numerous guests and the entire travelling public had to make a lot of sacrifice to enable the repair of the runway possible and wish to commend them for their understanding and cooperation,” it said.

It added that the repair of the runway “has further intensified our enthusiasm to deliver the best flight experience to our valued guests in a very safe atmosphere.

“Our Abuja schedules are alive once again and we promise to give the best of air travel services as we resume our flight operations in the Federal Capital Territory.”