NCAT runway expansion nears completion to ease Kaduna air traffic
By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
The runway expansion project at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria is in its final stages, a development expected to significantly decongest Kaduna Airport and enhance the college’s training capabilities.
The project involves extending and upgrading the college’s original runway, which was built in the 1960s and has been under increasing strain from growing aircraft operations.
Once complete, the expanded runway will allow NCAT to handle larger commercial aircraft, diverting traffic from the busy Kaduna Airport.
In a recent update, NCAT’s Rector, Dr. Ismail Danjuma, confirmed the project’s progress and its anticipated benefits.
“The expansion will enable the accommodation of larger commercial aircraft, further helping to ease congestion at Kaduna Airport,” Dr. Danjuma stated.
The new runway will also unlock critical training opportunities for aviation students. A key advantage will be the ability to conduct night flight training, which was previously restricted due to runway limitations.
This infrastructure upgrade is a central part of NCAT’s broader modernization strategy. The college is also upgrading its simulators, investing in new training equipment, and establishing new training centers in Abuja and Lagos.
The Federal Government has allocated funding for the project, with reports indicating strong backing from the House of Representatives.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, is acknowledged as having been instrumental in securing the necessary federal support.
The runway expansion is integral to NCAT’s strategic plan to solidify its status as a premier aviation training hub in Africa.
The college aims to continue producing pilots, air traffic controllers, and other aviation professionals with facilities that meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.