The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has denied a misleading report by an online medium (Not Oriental News), that an Azman aircraft from Kano enroute Abuja nearly ran out of fuel while “hovering in the air” or “held in the air” for over an hour as it was prevented from landing, and that the pilot contemplated returning to Kano before passengers prevailed on him to land without clearance from the control tower.
A statement signed by the General Manager, Public Affairs of the agency Khalid Emele said that the the aircraft was held in the air alongside other airlines because Nigerian Airforce is currently practising for their display on 1st October and an airspace was designated for them. ” All civil aircraft are held at a distance of about 20 – 30 nautical miles as military aircraft take off or land. The said Azman aircraft was held along with other aircraft in the course of separating traffic to ensure that the aircraft and their passengers land safely.”
Khalid however said that the Azman pilot did not declare any emergency and he was eventually given clearance by air traffic control to land when it was safe to do so. “The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency hereby assures the public of the safety of the Nigerian airspace”. he said.