The approach lights on the runway of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, have reportedly collapsed.
The lighting system installed on the approach end of an airport runway and consisting of a series of light-bars, strobe lights, or a combination of the two that extends outward from the runway end, reportedly collapsed on Monday evening, May 30, forcing pilots to rely solely on their onboard equipment to land airplanes.
It was also learnt that relevant aviation authorities did not issue a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on the development until later on Tuesday May 31, and it is also unclear when the issue would be fixed.
Punch reported that one of the pilots who reacted to the incident, said;
“It is sad that the relevant authorities are just issuing NOTAM on the development over 24 hours after the light collapsed. That is very dangerous. This is very annoying.”
The pilot who works with one of the domestic airlines also added that collapse of the approach light could inhibit pilots’ capability to land airplanes safely in bad weather.
A pilot and President, National Association of Private Aircraft Owners, Mr Alex Nwuba, said there was no reason to panick over the development but stressed that there is an urgent need for the authorities to fix the lights as soon as possible.