FAAN Pledges Inclusive Air Travel, Expands Support for Disabled and Elderly Passengers

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has reaffirmed its dedication to inclusive and consumer-friendly air travel, announcing renewed measures to ensure that passengers with disabilities, senior citizens, and travellers requiring wheelchair assistance enjoy a safe, seamless, and dignified experience at Nigerian airports.

In a statement issued by Mrs. Obiaceli B. Orah, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN underscored its commitment to placing passenger welfare at the centre of its service delivery.

“We care about your comfort and convenience. Special arrangements are available for passengers with disabilities, senior citizens, and travellers who require wheelchairs or mobility support,” Mrs. Orah said.

Expanded Services for Special Needs Passengers

FAAN highlighted a range of initiatives designed to make airports more accessible:

• Wheelchair Support: Provided from check-in counters to boarding gates and extended through to arrival halls, ensuring continuity of care.
• Dedicated Airport Staff: Specially trained personnel are on hand to offer guidance and mobility support throughout the journey.
• Priority Treatment: Passengers with disabilities and the elderly receive priority clearance at security checkpoints and boarding gates.
• Accessible Facilities: Terminals now feature elevators, ramps, wider passageways, and restrooms designed to support wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.

Passengers requiring assistance are advised to inform their airline in advance or contact FAAN’s Special Assistance Desk at the terminal.

Flashback: How Accessibility Evolved at Nigerian Airports

The push for inclusivity at Nigerian airports has not been a sudden development but the result of decades of gradual reforms.

• 1980s – Early Years of Support: Wheelchair services were mostly informal, provided upon request and dependent on airline goodwill. Many airports lacked the infrastructure to support persons with disabilities.
• 1996 – Institutional Recognition: Following Nigeria’s increasing integration into global aviation standards, FAAN began to formally acknowledge the need for structured assistance for elderly and disabled passengers.
• 2005 – Consumer Protection Awareness: With the wave of reforms that swept through the aviation industry during President Obasanjo’s administration, FAAN introduced clearer consumer protection measures, laying the foundation for dedicated services.
• 2012 – Infrastructure Upgrade: During the Jonathan administration, major airport remodelling projects introduced the first wave of accessible restrooms, elevators, and wider walkways, marking a shift from policy to visible infrastructure.
• 2017 – Special Assistance Desks: FAAN established help desks at select airports, creating a more organised system for handling requests from passengers with disabilities and senior citizens.
• 2020s – Global Alignment: With Nigeria’s growing ambition to be a regional aviation hub, FAAN has deepened its consumer protection policies to align with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards on accessibility.

Why It Matters

Travelling through airports can be daunting for passengers with special needs. Long queues, heavy traffic in terminals, and the stress of boarding processes often discourage elderly travellers and persons with disabilities from flying.

FAAN’s commitment to inclusive services is therefore more than just customer care; it is a critical step toward making air travel in Nigeria equitable and aligned with international best practices.

Mrs. Orah stressed that the authority’s approach is not only infrastructural but also rooted in human dignity:

“Your safety, dignity, and comfort remain our priority. FAAN is making air travel safe and comfortable for all,” she said.

Looking Ahead

As Nigeria positions itself as a regional aviation hub, accessibility will continue to be a key benchmark for evaluating service quality at airports. Industry watchers believe FAAN’s efforts will boost passenger confidence, especially among vulnerable groups, while also enhancing Nigeria’s reputation in global aviation.

For many travellers, these initiatives represent more than convenience, they are an affirmation that the Nigerian aviation system sees them, values them, and is willing to invest in their dignity.

FAAN’s renewed focus on accessibility is both a reflection of how far Nigeria has come in modernising its airports and a reminder of the work still ahead to make air travel fully inclusive for all.