<h2 class="blog-hed2 pb-lg-4 pb-3 text-lg-center">History of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport</h2>
<p class="blog-para">A new airport terminal was built in 2000 by Julius Berger, located near to the existing terminal that served both domestic and international flights. The new terminal opened in 2002 and serves international flights.</p>
<p class="blog-para">The existing terminal now serves domestic flights.In November 2006, the Abuja Gateway Consortium signed a US$101.1 million contract for the management of the airport over the next 25 years. The contract included the construction of an airport hotel, private car parks, shopping malls, and a bonded warehouse, totalling US$50 million during its first five years, and</p>
<p class="blog-para">additionally an upfront payment of US$10 million. According to the business plan, total investments would have amounted to US$371 million during the period of the contract. However, then-President Yar'Adua revoked the contract in April 2008.</p>
<p class="blog-para">In June 2009, Delta Air Lines began a route to New York City via Dakar. It operated the flight with Boeing 757s. The following June, the carrier introduced seasonal nonstop service to New York on a Boeing 767. The flight stopped in Accra as of mid-2011. Delta left Abuja in 2012, however, citing the high cost of fuel and diminished passenger counts.</p>
<p class="blog-para">Plans were invited for the construction of a second runway. The contract was awarded to Julius Berger Construction Company for US$423 million, but was revoked due to the high cost. The Federal Government approved fresh bids for the construction of the second runway.</p>
<p class="blog-para">On January 4, 2017, Nigeria's Federal Executive Council backed the Ministry of Aviation's decision to close the airport for six weeks to enable repairs on the runway, which was said to be dysfunctional. The Nigerian government also approved N1 billion for the conclusion of the Kaduna Airport terminal, which had been debated as an alternative for Abuja Airport. Several airport users, including the Nigerian Senate, opposed the planned closure. It was believed that the closure of the airport would cause hardship for international and local air travellers alike.</p>
<p class="blog-para">On March 8, 2017, the Federal Airport Authority in Nigeria, stated that the airport will shut to commercial traffic for at least six weeks to bring needed repairs to the runway. On 18 April 2017, the airport was reopened following the completion of the project.</p>
<p class="blog-para">On 20 December 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned a new terminal building. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria says the newly completed terminal building can process up to 15 million passengers annually.</p>
<h2 class="blog-hed2 pb-lg-4 pb-3 text-lg-left">Overview of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport</h2>
<p class="blog-para">The airport consists of an international and a domestic terminal. Both terminals share the same runway. Runway refurbishment was completed in 2017.</p>
<p class="blog-para">It is the second busiest airport in Nigeria. It has presently terminal A, B, C and D for international and domestic operations. Recently, terminal E has been opened for international operations but not completed.</p>
<p class="blog-para">It also has the presidential wing with a taxiway linking the runway, presidential chalet, presidential lounge, presidential hangar, general aviation terminal for VIPs, cargo/pilgrim&rsquo;s terminal, cargo warehouse and hangars. The apron expansion work is ongoing and as such poses</p>
<p class="blog-para">constraints to airlines as regards aircraft parking for ramp activities.</p>
<p class="blog-para">There are no other major concerns or issues that commonly affect operators and customers.</p>
<p class="blog-para"><strong>Nnamdi Azikiwe airport expansion </strong></p>
<p class="blog-para">The first phase of expansion has been completed, with the latest equipment having been installed at the airport. This included the installation of state-of-the-art radar systems, a control tower, hangars and the construction of two terminal buildings.</p>
<p><img class="img-fluid p-lg-0 rounded w-100" title="Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport" src="../../main/img/airport/nna/1.webp" alt="Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport" width="950px" height="500px"></p>