The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has called on airlines to review their flight schedules ahead of the Christmas and New Year rush to minimise delays and cancellations. FAAN’s Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, made the appeal in Abuja on Wednesday during a retreat for the agency’s governing board and aviation stakeholders, themed “Future-proofing FAAN: Leadership, Modernisation and Strategic Renewal.”
Kuku said FAAN has begun holding weekly meetings with airlines, ground handlers and other stakeholders to ensure smooth operations and an improved passenger experience between December and January. She added that the authority is working urgently to fix faulty cooling systems, resolve power supply issues, and maintain cleaner airport terminals during the festive season.
“Ensuring that our airports are safe, secure and welcoming is crucial, especially as we approach the peak travel period,” she said. “We know delays are a recurring challenge during this time. So, we are urging airlines, together with the NCAA, to review their schedules and provide timely information whenever delays occur.”
She explained that the weekly facilitation meetings an upgrade from the previous quarterly schedule will help ensure coordinated operations across all airports.
Kuku also acknowledged public complaints about poor sanitation at airports and revealed that facility managers are now being deployed alongside cleaners to improve hygiene standards. On the issue of power supply, especially at the Lagos airport, she said FAAN is working closely with electricity distribution companies and upgrading backup power systems to guarantee uninterrupted operations.
On revenue performance, Kuku announced that FAAN has significantly grown both its aeronautical and non-aeronautical earnings since December 2023. She noted that non-aeronautical revenue has risen by over 50 per cent, while income from landing fees, parking charges and passenger service fees has also increased.
According to her, FAAN is firmly on track to meet its revenue targets and aims to remain financially self-sustaining under the current administration.
