The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has debunked reports on the recent ranking of airports by SleepingInAirports.net, which rated the Port Harcourt International Airport as “the dirtiest and most corrupt airport in Africa.”

Yakubu Dati, general manager, Corporate Affairs, FAAN, noted that on the controversial ranking or allegation, the Authority aligned itself with the position of the Supervising Ministry of Aviation, made through Binta Adamu Bello, the Permanent Secretary.

According to him, the ranking was unfounded as it did not take cognisance of the fact that the Port Harcourt Airport terminal was still undergoing remodelling with some of its terminal operations still conducted in a temporary structure (tent). He explained that apart from the on-going remodelling of the existing domestic terminal, from which both international and local flight operations are conducted, construction work is also in progress at the site of the new international terminal, among other projects at the airport.

“We sincerely believe that operations at such an airport, where construction work is going on simultaneously with normal flight and related operations, cannot be as conducive as those in airports where there are no on-going construction projects. Neither can environments at such different scenarios be equally “clean,” Dati said.

He assured all passengers, airline operators and other airport users that services at the airports would always be delivered at recommended international standards that ensure safety, security and comfort. “While we regret any inconvenience experienced at these airports, including Port Harcourt International Airport, due to on-going construction projects, promise all airport users that services at these airports will surely get better at the completion of these projects,” said he.