National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno has reportedly banned the use of commercial helicopters between Abuja and Kaduna.
In a memo, yesterday, Monguno said the Abuja airspace is controlled and only security flights or those with permission from the presidency would be allowed to use the airspace.
He said all passengers would be required to travel either by road or rail.
“In view of the closure of the airport, air travellers will be required to travel by road/train to Abuja from Kaduna International Airport. This will, undoubtedly, cause constraints on the movement of some passengers who will aim to travel, using other means, notably, commercial ferry helicopters. Please, be reminded that the airspace over the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, is controlled and only security flights or those with the requisite security clearance from the presidency are granted overhead clearance for obvious security reasons.
“Consequently, you are to note and ensure that charter or commercial helicopter ferry flights are not allowed to fly within Abuja airspace.” Commercial helicopter companies had offered to provide air transport between the two cities, following closure of Nnamdi Azikiwe international airport, Abuja’s runway for repairs.
Meanwhile, FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello, said the on-going Abuja Mass Rail Transit project is currently at 90.27 per cent, as most of the train stations are at the finishing stages.
He said this after an inspection tour of the project site and a train ride from the Abuja Metro Station behind the Abuja World Trade Centre at the Central Business District to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja yesterday.
The company had expressed willingness to pick passengers at Kaduna international airport and drop them off at the National Stadium in Abuja.