International airlines operating into Nigeria are reportedly paying over N25 billion annually for towing services due to a lack of functional aero bridges at major airports, particularly in Lagos.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has been unable to import the already procured aero bridges, which are essential for efficient passenger disembarkation.
Aero bridges, also known as jetways or air bridges, are telescoping corridors that extend from an airport terminal to an aircraft, allowing passengers to board and disembark securely and swiftly. However, in Nigeria, this process is far more cumbersome.
Airlines are forced to pay substantial sums to ground handling companies to tow their aircraft to the aero bridge, a procedure that delays passengers by approximately 20 minutes after landing.
Since 2014, FAAN has procured 28 aero bridges from China, but they have yet to be delivered to Nigeria. This delay has created a significant financial burden on international airlines operating in the country.
According to data from FAAN, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport alone records an average of 21 takeoffs and 12 landings daily at the 18R/36L runway.
This equates to about 630 takeoffs and 360 landings monthly. In total, about 990 aircraft land and take off from the airport’s international wing every month, contributing to a staggering 11,880 aircraft movements annually.
Ground handlers charge between $673 and $1,350 to tow an aircraft, depending on its size. With 11,880 aircraft movements annually, international airlines are spending approximately $16 million (over N24.6 billion) annually on towing services at the airport.
Roland Iyayi, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency and CEO of TopBrass Aviation, criticized the situation, suggesting that ground handling companies may be benefiting from the lack of functional aero bridges.
He likened the situation to a “connivance” to increase profits, referencing similar issues in other industries where service delays create market opportunities for certain vendors.
“The refusal of FAAN to provide the automated machines has forced airline operators to spend huge amounts. This is a situation that shouldn’t have arisen in the first place,” Iyayi remarked.
Retired Capt. Mohammed Badamosi also called on FAAN to expedite the installation of the automated machines, stating that the delay in the installation is unjustifiable, especially given the financial burden on airlines.
“If these machines have truly been procured, they should tell us why they are yet to be installed,” he said.
Despite multiple attempts to reach officials for comment, FAAN’s Director of Airport Operations, Abdullahi Mahmood, and the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection,
Obiageli Orah, did not respond to inquiries regarding the delay in installing the aero bridges.
As the issue continues to affect both airlines and passengers, many are calling for urgent action from FAAN to address the shortage of operational aero bridges, which would not only ease the burden on international airlines but also enhance the overall efficiency of Nigerian airports.
