Turkish and Emirates airlines will begin their operations in Kano by the end of March, Aviation Minister Stella Oduah said on Friday at the commissioning of the remodeled Aminu Kano International Airport.

She said this was part of the ministry's efforts of reviving the lost glory of the airport.

The plans by some foreign airlines to fly to Kano became controversial last year when reports say the minister blocked them and instead asked them to fly to Enugu, allegations she denied. When she visited Kano on Friday, the minister promised Emir Ado Bayero and Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso that by the end of March, Turkish and Emirates airlines would begin operations in Kano.

The remodeled Kano airport was commission by governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

He said, "For those who want to believe that the Ministry of Aviation doesn't want international airlines to come to Kano, the question is if the ministry doesn't want the international airlines to come to Kano why would they be building an international terminal?

"Building of an international terminal is an evidence of commitment to encourage more international airlines to come Kano."

Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/201303181675.html

Sounds good to me. I'd rather travel to kano to fly emirates as against the usual going through Lagos. Not that I hate Lag but the chaos and mannerism of some its residents could be very annoying.

Any idea when Emirates would start operating from Abuja please?