The upcoming Airport Business Summit prioritizes equipping  Airport Manager with the critical skills to maximize revenue generation for their facilities. Mr. Fortune Idu, Chairman of the Summit, announced the inclusion of a workshop specifically designed to address airport route development and marketing strategies.
“While airport concessions and public-private partnerships remain important options,” Idu explained, “equipping managers to understand the roles of all stakeholders is crucial.” Moreover, the workshop will address the evolving role of airport managers, positioning them as “chief marketing officers and business development managers” for their airports.Â
Furthermore, the traditional approach of building airports and waiting for airlines to establish routes is no longer sustainable, according to Idu. He emphasized the need for a more comprehensive plan and complete business case. This aligns with the vision of FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmni Kuku, who has prioritized airport viability as a key factor in repositioning Nigeria’s 23 airports.
Mrs. Kuku’s focus on internal reviews and management restructuring aims to streamline operations and to maximize revenue generation. “Currently, only four airports are considered financially viable,” Idu noted. However, he stressed the importance of domestic connectivity, highlighting that all airports serve a vital role in the country’s growth. Â
The development of many Nigerian airports stemmed from state government requests, prioritizing interstate connection over initial business viability or strategic planning. “The airport becomes a crucial infrastructure, similar to a road,” Idu explained. However, unlike roads, airports incur significant operational costs regardless of passenger volume.
Recognizing the airport industry as a business, the current administration is actively exploring ways to generate revenue from all airports. Reviewing airport capacity and potential aligns with Mrs. Kuku’s strategic plan and the Minister’s call for long-term development plans for each airport.