Lagos — As the 2009 hajj operations approaches, management of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has directed that the Katsina Airport been equipped with necessary navigational aids to ensure smooth flight operations into the airport.

The instruction was given by the Chairman of the Agency's Board, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje during an assessment tour to the airport.

He said NAMA should as a matter of urgency install Instrument Landing System (ILS) into the airport to enable it accommodate the growing traffic as well as improving the safety standard of the airport.

The board chairman gave the NAMA management an ultimatum of one month to do so warning against diversion of facilities meant for the airport.

Baraje, who was at the Katsina State House assured the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Suraj Umar Daman that NAMA would ensure it upgrade the airport to meet up with international standards in terms of modern navigational equipment.

Katsina airport has a runway facility that can accommodate Boeing 747 together with Very High Omni Directional Range (VOR) and Locator Beacon while installation of ILS will boost it safety level.

Arik Air in May this year commenced scheduled flight services into the airport and operates three flights per week. It is also strategically positioned for Hajj exercise.