FG Lifts Ban On Kaduna-Abuja Helicopter Shuttle

The Federal Government has lifted the ban on commercial helicopters shuttling between Abuja and Kaduna.

Babagana Monguno, the national security adviser (NSA), had directed regulatory agencies not to allow commercial helicopters to use the Abuja airspace.

He stated that only flights with permission from the presidency should be allowed. Monguno advised passengers using the Kaduna Airport, to travel either by road or rail.


But on Wednesday, the Minister of State for Aviation, Haidi Sirika, announced that the ban had been lifted. Sirika disclosed this to state house correspondents at the end of the federal executive council meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“On the helicopter issue, the national security adviser has the constitutional responsibility vested on him by Mr President to advise the president on national security matters.

“Within his wisdom, he sent out letters banning the helicopters operation into the airport but the national security adviser had earlier this morning said that helicopters will of course continue to fly to Abuja airport from wherever.

“The procedure that they will use to approach the airport under landing spot will be advised accordingly before the end of today, which means that helicopters can come into Abuja and out bearing in mind that within the metropolitan city of Abuja, there are no fly zones, and this is very normal in every country.”