Unique International Magazine: Asaba International Airport......... by Ken Iwelumo

I had the pleasure of flying in and out of Asaba International Airport on July 28^th, August 1^st and August 3^rd, 2011. A lot of progress has been made to the second largest terminal in Nigeria and the third airport in West Africa to have air bridges/aviobridges (Lagos and Abuja are the others). The airport is now operational but will not be completed until December 2011. It is huge and very impressive. There is a 4 storey mall designed for shopping and offices at the center of the terminal. Overland Airways with its 48 seater ATR 42-320 Turboprops is the only airline serving Asaba for now. Arik Air, Air Nigeria, Aero and Dana Air plan to start flights to Asaba in late September 2011. I would not be surprised if Emirates and KLM started international service before the end of 2011.

An Arrival From Abuja Overland Airways 5N-BND

Asaba International Airport is a gateway to the South South, Middle Belt and South East political and geographic zones of Nigeria. Asaba International (DNAS) has the widest runway in West Africa designed to accommodate the largest aircraft in the world including Antonov An-225 Mirya, Antonov An-124 Ruslan, Airbus A380 and the more common Boeing B747 and McDonald Douglas MD 11 freighters.

Asaba International Airport Main Terminal

The runway itself is 4 kilometers or 4000 meters long. The more important cargo terminal is yet to be built, however it has a very large apron to immediately accommodate cargo operations. NAMA (Nigeria Aerospace Management Authority) and NCAA (Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority) have agreed last week to deploy air traffic controllers and other key personnel. FAAN (Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria) is already present and active at the airport. NAHCO (Nigeria Aircraft Handling Company Limited) is negotiating with Delta State Government to handle aircraft operations. This should be concluded before the end of August 2011.

Aviobridges at Asaba International Airport

OTHER NEWS: Protea Hotels a leading South African Hotel chain is building a 10 storey hotel and resort about a kilometer from the airport along Benin - Asaba Expressway. A mid-sized ultra-modern conference center and resort has been built at Onicha Ugbo. It has a 1000 person hall (great for Corporate AGMs, meetings and weddings), a 400 person conference center, parking for 1000 vehicles, a standalone sports bar, restaurant and catering center, tennis courts, luxury accommodation for 50 persons, an ultra-modern library with broadband internet access and in the near future a mini golf course. Walmart South Africa is about to build its first store and Super center in Nigeria at Okpanam near the airport also along Benin - Asaba Expressway.

Final approach into Asaba International

Asaba International Airport’s key target customers are from Asaba, Onitsha, Nnewi, Irrua, Agbor, Abraka and Awka axis. Businessmen from these areas account for 60% of air freight imports into Nigeria, and account for 70% of the passenger traffic at Benin City Airport (DNBN) and Enugu Airport (DNEN).

Future Departure Hall Asaba Airport

The takeoff of high value agricultural production such as flowers (roses, orchids, Chrysanthemum etc. ), Cassava products, organic rain forest honey and exotic fruit would also boost Asaba Airport as a major international export cargo hub.