By Aaron Ossai
Following recent alert that the Boko Haram insurgents plan to attach hotels in Abuja, the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, has reminded aviation authorities of the restriction of helicopter ferry flight over Abuja metropolis.
The reminder which was issued to regulatory stakeholders through a memo titled “Restriction of Helicopter Ferry Flights Over Abuja Metropolis” stated that: “In view of the closure of the (Abuja) airport, air travelers will be required to travel by road/train to Abuja from Kaduna International Airport. This will undoubtedly cause constraints on the movement of some passengers who will aim to travel using other means, notably the use of commercial ferry helicopters.
“Please be reminded that the airspace over the Federal Capital Territory Abuja is controlled and only security flights or those with the requisite security clearance from the Presidency are granted overhead clearance for obvious security reasons. Consequently, you are to note and ensure that no charter or commercial helicopter ferry flights are allowed to fly within Abuja airspace”, the statement added.
A top security intelligence officer explained that the reminder was issued to agencies of the existing “no fly zone,” and that any helicopter flight must seek security clearance.
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