The Akwa Ibom State Government has pledged to complete the new terminal building of the Victor Attah International Airport in the second quarter of 2022.
Disclosing this after a tour of the construction site with journalists in Uyo, capita; of Akwa Ibom, on Thursday, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Okpolupum Etteh, explained that the automated terminal building, estimated to serve one million passengers yearly with a sitting capacity of 1,000, was designed after Istanbul’s latest airport terminal in Turkey.
Etteh said government was pleased with the pace of work on the project, adding that the terminal building was planned for domestic and international flights, with provision for further expansion.
“But for the COVID-19 pandemic, we should have completed the project by December this year. However, we are looking at the middle of next year. Even the roofing sheets are still being expected from Turkey.
“There are few things in the terminal that they don’t have at the terminal in Istanbul. Virtually every thing here, including the elevators and escalators, will be automated, which will make the building a smart one.
Financial Street gathered that the building also has immigration, customs, duty-free shops and other things an international airport should have.
He explained that with the completion of the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul section, among other ongoing projects, the government would translate the airport into a hub for aviation operations in the region.
The airport, according to him, will soon begin operating international flights in the sub-region, once the aircraft purchased for that purpose arrives.
“The building is not only for domestic operations; we are looking at making it a regional hub. So, the airport will provide a lot of employment opportunities and revenue for the Akwa Ibom government.
“We have so many projects here and we are also working on the inside of the MRO for its completion. Aviation is an investment that will attract other investments and revenues to the state. That is why we just procured the brand new aircraft about to arrive for international flights,” he stated.
The Project Manager of VKS Nigeria, Onur Uzel, said the company handling the terminal building project confirmed that the project was delayed due to the pandemic.
He added that Turkey, where some of the materials were being sourced, recently lifted restriction on movement occasioned by the pandemic.
