BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
United Nigeria Airlines and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) are deepening operational collaboration following a high-level strategic meeting in Lagos aimed at addressing safety concerns, infrastructure gaps and the carrier’s expansion plans.
The United Nigeria Airlines delegation, led by Chairman Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, met with the FAAN team headed by Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku at the authority’s headquarters.
Discussions centred on aviation environmental safety, maintenance support, airport operating hours and critical infrastructure upgrades.
Raising urgent operational concerns, Prof. Okonkwo pointed to the growing frequency of bird strikes, describing them as “a major operational and financial challenge for airlines.”
He also drew attention to the limitations of sunrise and sunset airports and the state of Category II airports, noting that restricted operating hours and inadequate facilities continue to disrupt schedules and trigger delays.
The Chairman further flagged the rising incidence of unruly passenger behaviour, stressing the need for stronger enforcement and deterrent measures across the aviation ecosystem.
In addition, United Nigeria Airlines formally requested land allocation in Abuja for the development of a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility to strengthen in-country aircraft maintenance capacity.
Responding, FAAN’s Managing Director underscored the importance of joint action.
She stated that collaboration remains critical to improving safety and efficiency across Nigeria’s airports. According to her, FAAN has identified the major causes of bird strikes and is implementing environmental control measures, including improved grass and habitat management, alongside enhanced corporate responsibility around airport environments.
FAAN also unveiled plans to upgrade airfield lighting at Category II airports to enable extended operations. Improvements are underway on apron and lighting facilities in Benin Airport, with additional lighting upgrades planned for Jos Airport.
The authority pledged stricter enforcement against unruly passengers and expressed willingness to review the proposed Abuja MRO land request, with a view to fast-tracking approval.
Commenting after the meeting, United Nigeria Airlines Executive Director/COO, Osita Okonkwo, said sustained cooperation between airlines and airport authorities remains essential for safe, efficient and sustainable industry growth.
Senior members of the airline’s leadership team, including directors across administration, flight operations, commercial and human resources, were also in attendance.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
