Gombe Airport: A Haven of Security Amidst ChallengesGombe Airport, Haven
By Najib Sani
Tucked away in the serene Lawanti village, the Gombe State Airport, now Brigadier Zakari Maimalari Airport stands as a testament to strategic planning and community engagement.
Far from the hustle and bustle of the town, yet nestled in the heart of a thriving community, the airport’s location has proven to be a masterstroke in ensuring its security. Unlike some northern states plagued by banditry, Gombe State has remained relatively peaceful, with the airport benefiting from this stability.
However, the nefarious activities of Kalare thugs have posed a significant concern, particularly at night. Their recent brutal killing of a commercial motorcycle rider at the “Welcome to Gombe” gate along the airport road sent shockwaves through the community. But fear not, for a security checkpoint near the airport has bolstered its defenses, providing an added layer of protection for travelers.
Despite the challenges, the airport remains a hub of activity, with daily flights operated by Overland and Air Peace airlines even on Sundays.
Although there is only one flight per day due to high costs, passengers still flock to the airport, seeking a safer alternative to road travel. Yet, the exorbitant fares have become a significant deterrent, with many opting for the riskier road journey to Abuja.
A flight from Gombe to Abuja now costs a staggering N146,000, a fare many can no longer afford. In the past, N50,000 could fly one to Abuja from Gombe State.
Furthermore, the airport’s lack of dedicated taxis at the gate poses an additional challenge for travelers. Currently, there are no airport taxis to take passengers inside, forcing them to charter private vehicles or rely on personal cars.
This inconvenience adds to the overall stress of traveling, making it essential for the airport authorities to address this issue.
While the Gombe Airport has proven to be a secure haven amidst challenges, our correspondent observed that it is crucial to address the issues of high fares and lack of airport taxis to ensure a smoother travel experience for passengers.
