AOC Operational Concerns
The Airline Operators Committee (AOC) has raised concerns over inadequate airport infrastructure and service delivery challenges, urging the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to take urgent steps to improve passenger experience and operational efficiency across the country’s airports.
Among the issues highlighted by the AOC were inadequate directional signage, malfunctioning or insufficient lifts, poor airport markings and challenges associated with staff transportation. The airline operators warned that the shortcomings continue to affect both airport users and airline personnel, creating avoidable operational bottlenecks and diminishing the travel experience.
The operators also called for stronger support from airport authorities to improve passenger handling and service standards. According to them, addressing the identified gaps would not only enhance customer satisfaction but also promote more efficient airport operations.
The concerns were raised during an engagement between members of the AOC and officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The interactive session provided an opportunity for airline operators and airport authorities to discuss issues affecting airport operations, service delivery and stakeholder collaboration. However, much of the discussion centred on the need to resolve operational challenges that directly impact passengers and frontline aviation workers.
Representatives of the AOC stressed that clearer signage, improved mobility infrastructure and better airport wayfinding systems have become increasingly important as passenger traffic continues to grow. They noted that the absence of these essential facilities often leads to confusion, delays and inefficiencies within airport terminals.
The airline operators further argued that addressing infrastructure deficiencies would support smoother passenger movement, improve turnaround processes and strengthen overall service delivery at Nigerian airports.
Speaking during the engagement, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Henry Agbebire, said the meeting was aimed at fostering a stronger working relationship between airline operators and FAAN’s Department of Protocol and Passages.
Mr Agbebire explained that FAAN, working in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, remains the legally recognised authority responsible for protocol services at Nigerian airports. He emphasised the importance of closer engagement with airlines to ensure seamless coordination and efficient provision of protocol services.
He also appealed to airline operators to accord FAAN Protocol priority attention and facilitate processes whenever protocol arrangements are involved.
“FAAN, through the Directorate and in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, remains the legally recognised authority responsible for protocol services at the airports,” he said.
Responding to the concerns raised by the AOC, Mr Agbebire assured stakeholders that all observations and complaints would be carefully reviewed.
He said FAAN would examine the issues with a view to improving service delivery, enhancing operational standards and creating a better airport environment for passengers, airlines and other airport users.
The engagement underscores the growing role of the AOC in advocating improvements that directly affect airline operations and passenger satisfaction. As Nigeria’s aviation industry continues to expand, stakeholders believe that addressing infrastructure and service delivery gaps will be critical to achieving a more efficient and passenger-friendly airport system.
