In a bid to elevate the status of Port Harcourt International Airport and align with international aviation standards, the Rivers State Government has initiated a major renewal project at the facility. This extensive upgrade is set to enhance the airport’s operational efficiency and passenger experience as the airport prepares for certification by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The Port Harcourt airport, located in Omagwa, has long been a gateway for travelers in Nigeria’s South-South region. However, it is among the last major airports awaiting NCAA certification, with only Lagos and Abuja airports having achieved this milestone. To meet the rigorous standards set by the NCAA, which regulates the country’s airports in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Rivers State Government has embarked on several ambitious infrastructural developments.
Key components of the ongoing upgrade include the construction of an expanded car park, significant remodeling of the airport’s access road, and the rehabilitation of internal roads. The internal roads, notably those in front of the domestic terminal, had fallen into disrepair, but work is now underway to restore them and improve accessibility, ensuring smoother traffic flow and increased safety for passengers.
A notable feature of the project is the redesign of the toll gate area, where substantial milling work is taking place to enhance the flow of traffic and facilitate ease of entry and exit. This is part of a broader initiative to modernize the access road to the airport and make it more accessible to travelers.
Additionally, a dedicated drop-off zone is under construction at the Domestic Terminal Zone (DTZ), which aims to streamline the drop-off process and provide passengers with a more efficient and convenient experience. The road in front of the terminal building is also undergoing a comprehensive upgrade to ensure a welcoming environment for both departing and arriving passengers.
A top official from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) commended the ongoing work, noting that the massive infrastructure upgrade is a testament to the Rivers State Government’s commitment to modernizing the airport. “This initiative will not only elevate the airport’s status but also contribute positively to the economic growth of Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole, positioning Port Harcourt as a key travel hub in the South-South region,” said the FAAN official.
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With the project progressing as planned, stakeholders can expect a more modern, efficient, and safer airport in the coming months. The Rivers State Government is dedicated to completing the upgrade on time, ensuring minimal disruption to airport operations while delivering a state-of-the-art facility that meets international aviation standards.
