New port harcourt airport
The new Port Harcourt International Airport, also known as the Omagwa International Airport, is a major airport located in Omagwa, Rivers State, Nigeria. It is the main airport serving the city of Port Harcourt and the surrounding region. Here are some key facts about the new Port Harcourt airport:
Location: The airport is located about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) east of Port Harcourt, the capital city of Rivers State.
History: The airport was opened in 1982 as a domestic airport, but it was upgraded to an international airport in 2007. The new terminal building was commissioned in 2012.
Facilities: The airport has a single terminal building with a total floor area of 12,000 square meters (130,000 square feet). It has 12 check-in counters, 6 baggage claim belts, and 12 immigration counters. The airport also has a VIP lounge, a business center, and several shops and restaurants.
Runways: The airport has two runways, one measuring 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) and the other measuring 2,500 meters (8,202 feet).
Airlines: The airport is served by several domestic and international airlines, including Arik Air, Azman Air, Dana Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Lufthansa, and Virgin Atlantic.
Destinations: The airport offers flights to several destinations in Nigeria and abroad, including Abuja, Lagos, Abuja, Accra, Ghana, and London.
Capacity: The airport has a capacity to handle 1.5 million passengers per annum.
Expansion plans: The airport is undergoing expansion and modernization works, which include the construction of a new terminal building, the expansion of the apron and taxiways, and the installation of new air traffic control systems.
Challenges: The airport has faced several challenges, including congestion, poor infrastructure, and inadequate security measures. However, the airport authority has been working to address these issues and improve the overall passenger experience.
Future plans: The airport authority plans to develop the airport into a major hub in West Africa, with plans to increase its capacity to 3 million passengers per annum and to establish it as a major cargo hub in the region.
Overall, the new Port Harcourt International Airport is an important transportation hub in Nigeria, serving both domestic and international passengers. While it faces some challenges, the airport authority is working to improve the airport's infrastructure and services to meet the growing demands of air travel in the region.