By Itohan Abara-Laserian
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has assured air travellers that ongoing industrial action by aviation unions will not disrupt flight operations across the nation’s airports.
The management of FAAN gave the assurance in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos.
FAAN said it is working with aviation agencies, airlines, security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that airport operations are not disrupted.
It added that airport operations nationwide remain safe, secure and functional as it was closely monitoring developments arising from the industrial action and working with relevant stakeholders to minimise its impact on passengers and flight operations.
FAAN said that it recognised the legitimate role of organised labour, while supporting the efforts of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN) and other stakeholders in resolving the industrial action.
The authority also disclosed that earlier operational challenges affecting the movement of some flights within the airside environment had been addressed through ongoing inter-agency coordination.
It said that measures were being sustained to support the orderly continuation of flight operations.
“FAAN remains committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s airports remain safe, secure, functional and accessible to passengers and other airport users,” it said.
The authority advised passengers to remain calm and maintain contact with their respective airlines for real-time updates on their flights.
FAAN expressed appreciation to the travelling public for their understanding and patience.
It also expressed confidence that the ongoing engagements under the leadership of the aviation minister would result in a speedy and mutually acceptable resolution of the dispute.
FAAN’s reassurance comes amid ongoing efforts to resolve the dispute and restore normal operations in the aviation sector.
The industrial action by aviation unions has disrupted activities at some airports across the country.
Airlines and passengers were affected by picketing and other measures adopted by the unions to press home their demands. (NAN)
