By Rosheedat Akinkunle, JKNewsMedia Reporter
FLIGHT CALIBRATION teams have begun key verification processes at Gateway International Airport in Ogun State, a pivotal move towards launching full flight operations at the long-awaited aviation facility.
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) led the flight inspection this week, with its Manager of Flight Calibration Services, Engr. Miri Selzing, overseeing initial checks to validate the airport’s navigational procedures.
The process, he said, is part of a mandatory compliance exercise to align the airport with national aviation standards.
“Our purpose here is to verify the procedures proposed for the airport,” Selzing stated during the inspection. “This process is essential and thorough.
“It is the first phase of validating those procedures, and while we’ve completed the in-air assessment, we’ll now conduct further analysis before making necessary recommendations or adjustments.”
Selzing lauded Ogun State for its efforts in establishing the Gateway International Airport and highlighted the need for additional equipment—including an Instrument Landing System and other navigational aids—to optimise its operational readiness.
He also noted the strategic positioning of the airport, which could serve as a viable diversion alternative for aircraft unable to land in Lagos, Ibadan, or Ilorin due to weather or congestion.
Engr. Ade Akinsanya, the state’s Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, confirmed the completion of NAMA’s flight path checks for both the “23 and 05” runways, and the establishment of the airport’s waypoint.
He described the calibration flight as one of the final requirements before the facility secures full commercial certification.
According to Akinsanya, Gateway International Airport stands at 97 percent completion.
Vital infrastructure such as the control tower, fire and rescue services, and Air Traffic Control officers are already in place, signalling that the airport is nearing operational readiness.
