The Port Harcourt International Airport has, for the first time in its over 40-year history, secured full aerodrome certification and operational licence after meeting stringent safety and security requirements set by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The landmark certification follows the extensive upgrade, expansion and modernisation of the airport’s infrastructure, alongside the provision of critical safety equipment, a development the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) attributed to the support of the Rivers State Government under Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Regional General Manager, South-South Airports and Manager of Port Harcourt International Airport, Mrs Lynda Ezike, disclosed this on Friday during a courtesy visit by a FAAN delegation to Government House, Port Harcourt, where she formally presented the certification to Governor Fubara.
Speaking with journalists after the presentation, Ezike described the certification as a historic milestone that positions the airport for increased international operations while reaffirming its compliance with globally accepted aviation safety standards.
“We came here on a historic mission to present this certificate to His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, because his administration made this achievement possible,” she said.
According to her, the certification signifies that Port Harcourt International Airport, regarded as the gateway to Rivers State and the South-South region, now fully satisfies the operational and safety benchmarks prescribed by both national and international aviation regulators.
“This is no ordinary achievement. The airport is now certified, meaning more international airlines can operate into Port Harcourt with the confidence that it meets globally recognised safety standards,” she stated.
Ezike credited the accomplishment to the governor’s commitment to upgrading airport infrastructure and providing critical operational equipment required to satisfy NCAA and ICAO regulations.
“The issuance of this certificate is a direct reflection of the unwavering support of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in the upgrade of airport infrastructure and the provision of critical equipment needed to meet national and international safety requirements,” she added.
She further noted that the certification enhances Nigeria’s profile in the global aviation industry while strengthening Port Harcourt International Airport’s capacity to attract more international flights and investment into the South-South region.
