Airport closure is best safety options for Abuja – Allied Air boss

Managing Director of Allied Air, Captain Val Tongo has thrown his weight behind plans by Federal Government to close Abuja Airport for its runway repairs, describing it as the best safety option.

Allied Air Limited, a Cargo airline whose concern is the movement of Nigerian Currency notes in and out of Abuja for the Central Bank of Nigeria said the closure is the best option for flight safety not minding the effects such decision will have on his business.
He condemned the stance of some industry stakeholders opposed to closing the airport pointing out that the current debate on the perceived inconveniences that come with such closure should not overshadow safety considerations.
He said continued flights into the Abuja airport will be hazardous.
Tongo said the debate over whether the airport should be closed or not is unnecessary.
He said: “Aviation is all about safety, safety and safety before commercial consideration or inconvenience.”
Captain Tongo said persistent flights into the poor state of the runway has a lot of implications.
He said if there is any accident or incident it will attract high insurance premium.
He said airline operators would be better off at the completion of the rehabilitation exercise.
He said: “If we could endure and cooperate with the government in proffering a lasting solution it will be better for everybody.”