Why no plane landed at Anambra airport

It was disappointment at the weekend when no aircraft landed at the newly-built Anambra International Cargo/Passenger Airport, Umueri, despite the commissioning by Governor Willie Obiano at a colourful ceremony.
 
It was gathered that part of the reasons was the failure of the aviation regulatory authority, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), to approve the take-off of two commercial flights that were billed to land at the airport from Lagos and Abuja respectively.

It was further discovered there were also allegations that political pressure forced federal authorities to stop the inauguration. 

Obiano, in his speech during the inauguration ceremony that attracted top government officials, eminent personalities, members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the governorship candidate, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and well-wishers, disclosed that the Director-General of the NCAA, Mr. Musa Nuhu, had already handed in certificate of commercial flights operations.

He, however, said that NCAA insisted that the approved airlines must have their facilities on ground to ensure the comfort of passengers.

He described the airport as one of the best in Sub-Saharan Africa with 3.7 kilometres runway and 34.4 metres Control Tower. 

The governor said five airlines had been approved to commence operation at the airport, including Air Peace Nigeria Ltd., United Nigeria Airline Ltd., Dana Airline Ltd., Ibom Airline Ltd and Anab Jet Ltd. 

He said he was fulfilled establishing the airport after more than 30 years of the creation of Anambra State.