FAAN Directs Airlines to Review Flight Schedules Ahead of Yuletide

As Nigeria’s festive travel season approaches, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has urged airlines to revise their flight schedules to curb the frequent delays and cancellations that typically mar holiday operations. 

The call was made by FAAN Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku during a stakeholders’ retreat on “Future-proofing FAAN: Leadership, Modernisation and Strategic Renewal” in Abuja on Wednesday. She revealed that FAAN will hold weekly coordination meetings with airlines, ground handlers and other stakeholders throughout December and January to ensure smoother operations.

Kuku told the gathering that the agency is aware of recurring flight-delay complaints during peak periods and has begun working to address underlying infrastructure and operational issues. Among ongoing efforts are the repair of faulty cooling systems, resolution of power-supply challenges, and maintenance of clean and sanitary conditions at major airports.

She also appealed to airlines in collaboration with Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to make timely schedule information available, including prompt notices to passengers when delays occur.

FAAN’s directive reflects growing concern among aviation stakeholders that the surge in travel demand during December may again strain the system. Analysts believe that better schedule planning, regulatory oversight, and infrastructure readiness are essential to avoid the kind of disruptions that have plagued past festive seasons.

By Oshuniran Sheriff Ola