As part of efforts aimed at improving safety and efficiency of flight operations at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has concluded arrangements to complete the installation of CAT III Airfield Ground Lighting system on Runway 18L/36R.
The project, which will commence effectively on Friday, July 8, 2022, is expected to last for 90 days.
Consequently, Runway 18L/36R will be closed to flight operations during this time, the Authority disclosed in a statement, on Wednesday, signed by the Ag. General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Faithful A. Hope-Ivbaze.
The statement assured stakeholders that there will be no disruption to flight operations, saying, “All normal flight operations will be conducted through runway 18R/36L.”
FAAN has also issued a notice to airmen (NOTAM) to this effect which has already been published and disseminated accordingly.
Daily Trust reports had earlier reported about plan to close the runway on Thursday.
The Lagos Airport domestic runway, which was recommissioned in 2006 after refurbishment and rehabilitation, has been without runway lights.
This has made it difficult for flights to take off or land on the runway at night forcing domestic airlines to land at the international wing at night and then taxiing to the domestic side.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) had earlier this year approved N2,329,961,099.60 for the supply and installation of airfield ground lighting for the MMIA, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.
FAAN has set a July target for the installation of the AFL.
Managing Director of the authority, Capt. Rabiu Yadudu said the AFL would have been installed by March but the contractor handling it had to replace some cables imported for the project and he has given July for the completion of the installation.