Bauchi State Government has conceded the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport (SATBIA) to the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
SATBIA which is about 22 kilometres away from Bauchi metropolis, was constructed in 2014 and boasts of having maximum security. Apart from internal security arrangements, the airport shares a fence with Nigerian Air Force Special Operations Center. Similarly, it is a few kilometres away from the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps Bauchi.
While SATBIA has state-of-the-art facilities, Max Air remains the major airline frequenting the route to and from Abuja. Similarly, Aero Contractors and Airk Airlines also fly the route.
Recently, Value Jet commenced flight operations From Abuja-Bauchi using the facility.
Following the handing over, FAAN will operate the facility as its entity, ending the earlier arrangement where both Bauchi and Federal Government run the Airport.
Kabiru Yusuf Mohammed, Managing Director of FAAN, Kabiru Yusuf Mohammed disclosed this to reporters in Bauchi on Tuesday shortly after completing paperwork for the taking over with the state government at the Bauchi State Government.
To him, Bauchi has done creditably well for constructing a befitting airport of international standards which provides easy access to prospective air passengers from not just the state but the northeast in general.
Over the years, the Airport has been operated in a joint effort between FAAN and Bauchi State Government. However, in May this year, the state agreed to cede the facility to FAAN.
Mr Mohammed said the takeover of the facility will open up tourist sites in the state to international visitors which will also mean a unilateral development for other sectors of the economy of the state.
Speaking, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed who was represented by his Deputy, Auwal Mohammed Jatau said the deal has been completed and the facility is now fully handed over to the Federal Government.
He expressed optimism that the handing over of the airport to FAAN will engender more development for the state and the Northeast subregion.
WikkiTimes recalls that pilgrims from Plateau and Bauchi are being airlifted to Saudi Arabia for Hajj every year.
