International airlines operating into Nigeria have raised concerns over safety and operational challenges at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, urging the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) not to compromise passenger comfort and airside safety during the ongoing reconstruction of the airport.
The concerns were raised during a stakeholders’ engagement between FAAN management and members of the International Airlines Association of Nigeria (IAAN) held at the Chinese-built second international terminal in Lagos.
Airline operators expressed dissatisfaction with the inadequate signage across both the landside and airside areas of the airport, warning that the situation could create safety risks and operational confusion for passengers, crew members, and ground personnel navigating the facility during construction activities.
The carriers also drew FAAN’s attention to the poor and unclear ramp markings within operational areas of the airport, noting that inadequate markings could negatively affect safe ground handling operations involving aircraft, equipment, and personnel.
According to the operators, the ongoing reconstruction should not diminish critical safety standards required at an international gateway handling significant passenger and aircraft traffic.
They urged airport authorities to urgently improve directional signs, operational markings, and navigation aids to minimise risks and maintain smooth airport operations throughout the rehabilitation period.
The airlines further highlighted passenger inconvenience arising from the insufficient number of functional lifts within the terminal building, while also raising concerns over inconsistent shuttle bus services despite the recent introduction of eco-friendly buses and salon cars at the airport.
The operators appealed to FAAN to provide stronger institutional support capable of improving passenger movement, comfort, and overall customer experience at the airport.
Speaking on the engagement, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Henry Agbebire, described the meeting as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the authority and airline operators while creating a platform to address operational challenges affecting airport users.
According to him, the session was designed to foster a stronger working relationship between the Department of Protocol and Passages and airline operators, while also allowing stakeholders to openly discuss areas requiring improvement within the airport environment.
Agbebire assured the airlines that all complaints and operational observations raised during the meeting would be carefully reviewed with a view to improving service delivery, operational efficiency, and safety standards across FAAN-managed airports.
The engagement comes amid ongoing infrastructure upgrades at MMIA as FAAN intensifies efforts to modernise Nigeria’s busiest international gateway while balancing construction activities with uninterrupted airport operations.
