After a lengthy suspension prompted by persistent security threats linked to banditry, the Hassan Usman Katsina International Airport in Kaduna witnessed a significant milestone as flights resumed on Monday, October 23, 2023.
The revival of air travel services became manifest with the triumphant arrival of Air Peace flight ERJ-145, which gracefully touched down at the airport at precisely 5:10 pm on Monday, signifying the long-awaited return of flights to the Kaduna route.
This substantial development was a breath of fresh air for travelers who had endured months of inconvenience. Notably, the Hassan Usman Katsina International Airport encountered a devastating bandit attack in March 2022, which temporarily disrupted flight operations.
Subsequently, Azman Air decided to halt its operations around five months ago, further exacerbating the challenges faced by passengers, particularly those on the Lagos-Kaduna route. This unfortunate situation compelled travelers to resort to landing in Kano or Abuja and then undertaking the arduous journey to Kaduna via road.
On the occasion of the resumption of Air Peace flights on Monday evening, passengers at the airport expressed their elation and relief. They fervently called upon the government and relevant authorities to ensure the continuous functionality and security of the Kaduna Airport, vital for the convenience of the flying public.
Addressing the media shortly after the ceremonial welcome accorded to the Air Peace Flight, the Airport Manager, Adamu Sheikh, provided assurance that more airlines are poised to recommence operations. He emphasized that comprehensive security measures have been meticulously put in place to safeguard aircraft during landing and take-off, underscoring the collective commitment of all stakeholders to ensure the airport’s safety.
Mr. Sheikh stated, “More airlines are coming back, and we are prepared. We have the cooperation of all the security agencies, everybody wants this airport to function, so all stakeholders are rallying around us to ensure that this airport is safe for aircraft landing and take-off.”
Furthermore, Fatima Ndayako, the Station Manager for Air Peace in Kaduna, highlighted the airline’s return to the Kaduna route. This decision was driven by persistent requests from loyal customers who were eager to have their needs met along this crucial corridor.
Ms. Ndayako also offered assurance that Air Peace would provide daily operations to and from Kaduna and Lagos, bolstering connectivity and convenience for passengers.
Presently, Air Peace stands as the exclusive airline catering to the Lagos-Kaduna route at the Kaduna airport, with flights boasting a capacity of up to 50 passengers. This development marks a pivotal step towards restoring normalcy in air travel operations for this region, with a ray of hope for improved security and convenience on the horizon.
