How FAAN is Streamlining Nigerian Airport Travel for Peak Season

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has detailed its airport travel procedures for the busy end-of-year season. The goal is to facilitate seamless passenger movement across all Nigerian airports. The authority is applying an operational template for peak travel periods at all FAAN-managed domestic terminals.

FAAN's strategy began with advanced traffic forecasting. This anticipates significant passenger pressure during the holidays.

Operational Strategy for Congestion Mitigation

To address the expected surge, FAAN initiated a multi-pronged approach for FAAN congestion mitigation. This strategy focuses on enhancing support and streamlining border processes.

Enhanced Passenger Support

A dedicated augmentation team is now deployed at critical touchpoints. These staff, identifiable by shirts and jackets, provide real-time information. They also offer queue management support.

This supplements core customer service units. The aim is to improve first-contact resolution and reduce passenger anxiety.

Inter-Agency Coordination

FAAN engaged in high-level advocacy with border control agencies. This includes the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). The effort is designed to streamline processes and minimize processing delays.

This collaboration aligns with directives to optimise passenger experience during the rush.

Security and Infrastructure Contingency

Under the directive of Managing Director Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, security detail was augmented. Over 80 personnel were added to manage crowd control. This ensures efficient traffic flow in arrival concourses and pickup zones.

Infrastructure work presents an ongoing challenge. Construction on the new terminal is impacting operational space.

FAAN is optimizing existing infrastructure to maintain continuity. They are also coordinating with domestic airline operators. This manages airline check-in queues and mitigates flight delay impact.

Scale of Nigerian Airport Travel

The need for robust airport security and traffic management is clear. Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos is Nigeria's busiest hub. It handled 16.8 million passengers in 2024.

International passenger traffic at MMIA rose by 6.5% to 4.3 million in 2024. Meanwhile, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja recorded 5.48 million passengers.

These figures underscore the pressure on the system during Nigerian airports end-of-year travel. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.

Addressing Passenger Grievances

FAAN maintains a zero-tolerance policy for unethical practices. The strategy involves active surveillance and strict enforcement.

Key measures for passenger empowerment include:

• Active campaigns advising travellers on prohibited items.
• Encouraging early arrival to avoid vulnerabilities.
• Advising passengers to firmly decline unofficial payment requests.
• Deploying prominent QR codes linked to direct complaint lines.

FAAN appeals for public understanding during this period of infrastructure development. The authority is committed to providing a safe, secure, and increasingly efficient gateway.