NAMA Installs Advanced AFTN System to Enhance Air Traffic Communication

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has installed an upgraded Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network (AFTN) across 26 airports in the country, aimed at strengthening air traffic communication and improving flight safety.

The AFTN system, which facilitates the exchange of critical aviation messages including flight plans, weather updates, notices to airmen (NOTAMs), and distress alerts, is expected to boost efficiency and reliability in Nigeria’s airspace management.

Speaking at a workshop in Abuja, NAMA’s Director of Air Traffic Services, John Tayo, said the upgrade integrates modern satellite infrastructure with the legacy X.25 protocol to ensure faster message delivery and wider coverage. He added that the system also serves as a backup to the Aeronautical Message Handling System (AMHS), providing operational resilience for both domestic and international flights.

Tayo noted that the deployment would enhance Nigeria’s interoperability with other International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) member states, ensuring seamless communication across global air traffic networks. He stressed that the agency was also prioritizing staff training to ensure effective operation and maintenance of the system.

The installation is part of NAMA’s broader efforts to modernise Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and reinforce its commitment to safe, efficient, and globally compliant air navigation services.

By Oshuniran Sheriff Ola