Yuletide Rush: FAAN Urges Aviation Stakeholders to Unite for Seamless Festive Travel
As the annual yuletide travel surge gathers momentum across Nigeria’s airports, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has called on all aviation stakeholders to strengthen cooperation in order to guarantee a smooth, orderly and passenger-friendly experience during the festive season.
The appeal was made in a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Henry Agbebire, who underscored the critical role airports play as the country’s “first impression” to both returning Nigerians and international visitors, particularly during the popular “Detty December” travel period.
Agbebire noted that passenger traffic typically peaks at this time of year, placing increased pressure on airport facilities and personnel, especially at major gateways such as the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.
He stressed that exceptional service delivery at these hubs is essential to projecting a positive national image.
In line with the expectations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, FAAN urged all agencies operating within the airport environment to work in unity.
These include the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Port Health, Quarantine Services, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Aviation Security (AVSEC), ground handling companies and other service providers.
The Authority issued clear operational directives to all officers and personnel, emphasising the need to uphold professionalism and respect for passengers.
Specifically, FAAN cautioned against undue harassment or intimidation of travellers, solicitation or demand for money, as well as unnecessary delays, profiling or obstruction in the course of official duties. Personnel were further advised to conduct themselves with courtesy, efficiency and a strong sense of responsibility.
“This is a season to demonstrate the culture of excellence Nigeria seeks to entrench,” Agbebire said. “Our returning citizens and visitors deserve warmth, order and reassurance from arrival to exit.”
He further highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in managing the festive rush, calling on all stakeholders to help transform Nigeria’s airports into “havens of joy, safety and efficiency” throughout the holiday period.
Concluding the statement, the FAAN spokesperson expressed confidence in the support of all partners within the aviation ecosystem, adding, “Together, let us make Nigeria proud.”
The call comes amid a significant rise in passenger movements, driven by Nigerians in the diaspora returning home for the holidays and an influx of international visitors, making effective collaboration and service excellence critical to managing the seasonal travel rush successfully.
