BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
As the Eid-el-Fitri celebration approaches, bringing an anticipated increase in flight schedules and passenger traffic, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has urged travelers to exercise patience and abide by regulations, rather than resorting to vandalism over flight delays, rescheduling, or cancellations.
Speaking at an Iftar dinner with the Lagos airport Muslim community, FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, represented by FAAN’s Director of Operations, Captain Abdullahi Mahmood, emphasized that no airline deliberately delays or cancels flights without cause.
“We urge passengers to be guided by the law. You buy your ticket, you come to the airport, and if there is a challenge, you should understand with the airline,”
Mahmood stated. “All this fighting, breaking things—it does no good to anyone. Nowhere else in the world do people behave like that. We need to be patient and understand both our rights and the airlines’ rights.”
He stressed that while passengers have rights, airlines also have theirs, and maintaining proper conduct at airports is crucial.
FAAN, he added, is making every effort to ensure Nigerian airports meet global standards.
“We are anticipating the surge and making every effort to ensure our airports, runways, and facilities are up to standard for seamless passenger facilitation.”
On the issue of touting at airports, Mahmood reaffirmed FAAN’s commitment to eradicating the menace.
“You can see the feedback from passengers; they are noticing improvements. This won’t change overnight. Just like fighting corruption, those benefiting from the system will resist, but we are prepared for the challenge,” he assured.
FAAN reiterated its dedication to enhancing airport operations, improving security, and fostering a better travel experience for all passengers.
