FG Issues NOTAM as Nigeria Finalises Preparations for First-Ever International Airshow

The Federal Government has released a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) announcing temporary flight restrictions into Abuja ahead of aerial displays scheduled for the inaugural Nigeria International Airshow, which begins on Tuesday.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this on Friday during an inspection of airside facilities at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the three-day event’s venue.

Keyamo explained that the Nigerian Air Force will conduct aerial demonstrations on the first and last days of the airshow, necessitating short-term closure of Abuja’s airspace for safety reasons.

“The Nigeria Airspace Management Agency has already issued a NOTAM. For the brief period when there will be air displays, airlines have been told not to fly in or out, to hold their flights for that period, not to fly into Abuja while the sky is agog with displays,” he said.

The minister described the event as a major opportunity for Nigeria to highlight its aviation capacity, comparing it to global industry showcases such as the Farnborough Airshow in the UK, the Paris Airshow and the Dubai Airshow.

As Nigeria prepares to stage its first international airshow, Keyamo said the country is ready to welcome foreign airlines, investors, and visitors.

“We are doing an international airshow and we are expecting foreign visitors, foreign airlines, foreign investors to come and see what we have to offer. It is a platform for Nigeria to showcase itself,” he said.

He added that Nigeria does not have to reach its maximum aviation potential before promoting itself, stating that the current moment offers a strategic opportunity to attract global investors.

Keyamo credited the sector’s recent growth to supportive policies introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“The present government has helped us a lot in the aviation sector, as seen in the policy rollout that is making the sector grow. Private operators have spoken about how good this government has been to them,” he noted.

Calling the airshow the beginning of a “Detty December” for the aviation sector, Keyamo said foreign investors will start arriving from Sunday.

The event is expected to facilitate diplomatic and business engagements, linking Nigerian aviation stakeholders with financiers, manufacturers and partners. Activities will include seminars, product showcases, panel discussions, and networking sessions.

Keyamo emphasized that the airshow is fully private-sector funded, with the government only providing its franchise.

Brian Williams, organiser of the Nigeria International Airshow, confirmed that several foreign airlines and international investors have already committed to attending the three-day event.

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