Asaba International Airport (IATA: ABB, ICAO: DNAS):[5] is an international airport serving Asaba and the whole of the Delta State, Nigeria, and other nearby cities.[6] It is located approximately 7.9 kilometers (4.9 mi) east of the city centre of Asaba.[7]
The airport officially opened on 13 July 2011.
Asaba airport connects the commercial cities of Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Kano and Onitsha.[8] It also serves other cities within the South-East and South-South region and is regulated by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and was upgraded to Category 6 status in April 2010. Asaba Airport has reopened for commercial and charter airlines.[9] On 23 February 2021, the Delta State Government ceded the management of the airport to Asaba Airport Company by signing a 30-year concession agreement.[10]
History
Asaba International Airport was first conceptualized in 2007 by the administration of Chief James Onanefe Ibori (1999–2007).[11] The overarching objective was to build a standard passenger and cargo airport infrastructure in Asaba, Delta State, capable of handling codes C, D and E aircraft, and to serve as an additional source of revenue for the state.[12] Asaba location was selected for the airport because of the strategic position of Asaba as the gateway to the South-East and Niger-Delta region.[13] However, the Ibori administration could not embark on the project.
The Okowa Administration embarked on rehabilitation work, which included the construction of a new runway, setting up an instrument landing system and field lighting to have the airport return to 24-hour operations. It was completed and the airport was upgraded to Category 6 by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).[14][15]
Upon completion of the facility upgrade, the Okowa administration commissioned a feasibility study, revealing that it would be about 85% more expensive for the government to operate the upgraded airport to its full potential and that a private sector partnership was needed to fund the airport operation.[16] The Delta State Government decided to expand and modernize the airport facilities under a Private-Public Partnership arrangement.[17]
Concession
Following the upgrade of the airport facility and the government’s intent to invite private sector participation, the Delta State Government issued a Request for Proposal to select a Transaction Adviser and in March 2016, Delta State Executive Council approved the appointment of HALCROW Infrastructure Consortium as the Transaction Adviser to the Government to midwife the concession of Asaba International Airport.[18]
On 23 February 2021, Asaba Airport Company signed a 30-year concession agreement with the Delta State Government after a rigorous and transparent selection process.[19]
Key highlights of the concession
The Concessionaire shall prepare a Master Plan for the Airport setting out the proposed development for the entire Airport, planned over a 20-year time horizon.
The Concessionaire shall commence a Mandatory Capital Project Development of the airport which includes: Passenger Terminal Upgrade and Extension, Cargo Terminal, Aviation Fuel Terminal Upgrade, and Business Park.
Upon the signing of the concession agreement, a Project Delivery Oversight Committee (PDOC) consisting of five members, including the Concessionaire Representative, two employees of the Concessionaire and two persons appointed by the Delta State Government, was established within 30 days of the execution of the agreement. The PDOC is responsible for ensuring that the terms of the concession agreement are duly satisfied, and it shall be the single point of contact for the Concessionaire for all matters concerning the agreement. The PDOC was also responsible for overseeing the six-month transition period. The transition period ensured a seamless transfer of the operations and management of the airport to Asaba Airport Company. The handover of the management of Asaba International Airport to Asaba Airport Company was performed in a symbolic ceremony on 22 August 2021.[20]
The Delta State Government is the vested owner of Asaba International Airport and by virtue of the executed concession agreement has conceded the development, operation and management of the airport to Asaba Airport Company[21] Limited for a period of 30 years. The management of the airport covers all airside infrastructure, key airport facilities and all landside infrastructure.[22]
Infrastructure
Runways
Asaba operates as a single-runway airport (11/29) with a length of 3,400 meters and a width of 45 meters. Runway 11 is equipped with a Category 1 runway lighting system consisting of approach lights, runway edge lights, runway centerline lights, runway threshold lights and taxiway lights. Precision approach path indicators (PAPI) are installed on both sides of runway 11.
Runway
Length
Width
ILS
Notes
11/29
3,400 meters (11,154.86 ft)
60 meters
CAT 1
PCN Strong enough for CAT “E” Aircraft; equipped with all NavAids necessary for night and International Operations – VOR, DME & ILS
The FIDC-Menzies Consortium proposed development plan for Asaba International Airport, which are:[28]
The commencement of the modernization programme of the airport through the upgrade of the existing terminal and ancillary facilities, the introduction of optical fibre to provide reliable internet communication, re-organization of the airside terminal and the general elevation of passenger travel experience.
Short-to-medium-term development plan
The introduction of international cargo services through the erection of a modern cargo terminal with ancillary facilities.
The enhancement of commerce within the airport through the provision of office space, retail and leisure facilities.
The development of a hotel and conference facility in partnership with Radisson. The long-term development plan is to transform the Asaba International Airport into an airport city with infrastructure, land use, and economy centering on the airport.
