Commencment of operations at port hacourt new international airport

The commencement of operations at Port Harcourt New International Airport (PHIA) is a significant development in Nigeria's aviation sector. Here's an update on the project:

Background

The Port Harcourt New International Airport is a greenfield airport project located in Omagwa, Rivers State, Nigeria. The airport was designed to replace the existing Port Harcourt International Airport, which was facing capacity constraints and was in need of modernization.

Project Timeline

The construction of the new airport began in 2012, and the project was initially expected to be completed in 2015. However, due to various challenges, including funding issues and delays in the delivery of equipment, the project was delayed several times.

Commissioning

After years of delays, the Port Harcourt New International Airport was finally commissioned on June 8, 2020, by the Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari. The airport was officially opened for commercial operations on July 5, 2020.

Features

The Port Harcourt New International Airport is a modern airport with several features, including:

  1. Terminal Building: The airport has a spacious terminal building with a capacity to handle 1.2 million passengers per annum.
  2. Runway: The airport has a 3,200-meter-long runway, which is capable of accommodating large aircraft, including the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380.
  3. Aprons: The airport has three aprons, which provide parking space for aircraft.
  4. Cargo Terminal: The airport has a dedicated cargo terminal with a capacity to handle 20,000 metric tons of cargo per annum.
  5. Security: The airport has state-of-the-art security systems, including CCTV cameras, metal detectors, and baggage scanners.
  6. Amenities: The airport has several amenities, including restaurants, shops, and lounges.

Benefits

The commencement of operations at the Port Harcourt New International Airport is expected to bring several benefits, including:

  1. Improved Air Connectivity: The airport will provide improved air connectivity to the region, with more flights and destinations available to passengers.
  2. Economic Growth: The airport is expected to stimulate economic growth in the region, with increased trade and investment opportunities.
  3. Job Creation: The airport is expected to create jobs in the aviation sector, including employment opportunities for pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff.
  4. Infrastructure Development: The airport will provide a platform for the development of other infrastructure projects in the region, including hotels, roads, and other amenities.

Challenges

Despite the commencement of operations, the Port Harcourt New International Airport still faces several challenges, including:

  1. Funding: The airport requires significant funding to complete the construction of its facilities and infrastructure.
  2. Security: The airport is a potential target for terrorist attacks, and security remains a major concern.
  3. Capacity: The airport's capacity is still limited, and it may not be able to handle the volume of passengers and cargo expected in the future.

Overall, the commencement of operations at the Port Harcourt New International Airport is a significant development in Nigeria's aviation sector, and it is expected to bring several benefits to the region. However, the airport still faces several challenges that need to be addressed to ensure its long-term success.