Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – A sudden power outage at Banjul International Airport, on Saturday, has exposed significant lapses in infrastructure preparedness, forcing flight diversions and raising concerns about The Gambia’s reputation as a safe and reliable travel destination. The disruption rendered runway lights and communication systems inoperative, jeopardizing passenger safety and causing widespread delays.

Flights SN 203 and TUI were among those diverted to Dakar, Senegal, after pilots were unable to safely land due to intermittent runway lighting. A passenger on one of the affected flights described the experience as “surreal and frightening,” recounting two failed landing attempts before the diversion.

The incident, which occurred despite prior warnings from the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) about potential disruptions, has drawn criticism over the lack of contingency planning.

The airport’s standby generators and inverters, meant to act as fail-safe mechanisms, also failed to function during the outage. Communication between pilots and the control tower was disrupted, further highlighting systemic vulnerabilities.

With 10,000–15,000 Gambian diasporans expected to travel home during the holiday season, the timing of this crisis has heightened concerns. Tourism, a vital pillar of the Gambian economy, risks being significantly impacted as confidence in the airport’s reliability falters.

During his visit to The Gambia Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in Yundum in July 2022, Minister of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure Ebrima Sillah urged the civil aviation management to make sure the airport is a standout among its peers in the subregion and in Africa.

“The airport is the first image of the country for first-timers coming and the last image to see when they are leaving. So the airport is an important national edifice of the country that should be well secured and cleaned at all times,” he said.

Evidently, from the SN Brussels flight’s inability to land, the people responsible for maintaining the airport to guarantee a high level of safety and service and to make a good impression on visitors to The Gambia, ultimately to uphold the nation’s reputation, have failed to grasp the essence of this message.

The lapses at Banjul International Airport have raised questions about the country’s ability to handle emergencies and ensure uninterrupted operations. Experts and stakeholders are urging immediate action to prevent future occurrences and restore the airport’s reputation.

While the incident is not unique to The Gambia, solutions from other airports offer a path forward. These include installing automated power transfer systems, integrating solar-powered lighting, and enhancing backup systems for communication and power supply.

Calls for action are growing, urging the government and the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to prioritize infrastructure improvements. Proposals include establishing dual power sources, upgrading to high-capacity generators, and deploying solar-powered runway lighting systems. Enhanced collaboration with NAWEC is also being recommended to ensure reliable power delivery to the airport.

The government is under pressure to address the immediate concerns and issue a public apology while engaging stakeholders to reassure the public about safety measures.

With the holiday season approaching, ensuring uninterrupted airport operations is essential to protect The Gambia’s reputation and the livelihoods tied to its tourism industry.

This crisis underscores the urgent need for strategic planning and investment to prevent similar incidents and strengthen the country’s aviation sector.