Yuletide: FAAN Moves To Tackle Flight Delays, Improve Airport Services
By Stella Enenche, Abuja
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has directed airlines to review their flight schedules ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities in a bid to reduce delays and cancellations during the peak travel season.
Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at a retreat organised for the FAAN Governing Board and key stakeholders, under the theme: “Future-proofing FAAN: Leadership, Modernisation and Strategic Renewal.”
Kuku said the FAAN has commenced weekly coordination meetings with airlines, ground handlers, and other industry players to ensure seamless flight operations and improved passenger experience between December and January.
She explained that the authority is working closely with airlines and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to ensure timely communication to passengers whenever delays occur.
“One of the main challenges during peak periods remains flight delays from airlines. We have asked the airlines, in conjunction with the NCAA, to review their schedules and ensure that passengers receive timely information where delays exist,” Kuku said.
She added that FAAN is intensifying efforts to maintain safety, security and comfort across all airports during the festive season.
“Crucially, we must ensure that all our airports are safe, secure, and welcoming spaces for our guests, who are the reason for our existence,” she stated.
On infrastructure and environmental concerns, the FAAN boss revealed that work is ongoing to fix faulty cooling systems, address power challenges and improve sanitation at major airports.
“We are ensuring that the cooling systems are working at the airports, including overnight. The sanitary environment is also being addressed by bringing in facility managers, not just cleaners, across major airports,” she said.
Kuku further acknowledged power challenges, particularly in Lagos, noting that FAAN is engaging distribution companies and strengthening backup power systems to guarantee uninterrupted services.
On revenue performance, the FAAN managing director announced that the agency has recorded significant growth in both aeronautical and non-aeronautical income since the current administration assumed office in December 2023.
“Our non-aeronautical revenue has increased by over 50 per cent, while aeronautical revenue from landing, parking and passenger service charges has also grown. We are on track to meet our revenue targets and hope FAAN will continue as a self-sustaining agency,” she said.
