FAAN defends airport cab upgrade policy, tariff review

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has defended its directive requiring airport cab operators to upgrade their vehicles and the recent review of operational tariffs, saying the measures are aimed at improving passenger experience and maintaining service standards at the nation’s airports.

In a statement, FAAN said it was addressing concerns raised by some members of the Association of Private Cab Operators regarding vehicle standards and operating charges.

The authority stated that as an organisation committed to delivering “safe, secure, efficient, and world-class airport services,” it considered it necessary to clarify issues surrounding the directives and reassure passengers that its actions were intended to enhance service delivery.

According to FAAN, airports serve as gateways to nations and often create the first and last impression of a country, making it imperative to maintain quality services across all passenger touchpoints, including airport transportation.

The agency explained that the requirement for operators to upgrade to newer vehicle models was designed to improve reliability, comfort, safety, and passenger satisfaction.

“The directive requiring airport cab operators to upgrade to newer vehicle models is informed by the need to improve reliability, comfort, safety, and overall passenger satisfaction. This is consistent with international best practices and aligns with FAAN’s ongoing efforts to elevate service standards across its airports,” the statement read.

It added that passengers using airport taxi services deserved “clean, roadworthy, comfortable, and professionally maintained vehicles that reflect the premium environment expected of a modern international airport.”

On the increase in operational tariffs, FAAN said the review was neither arbitrary nor excessive, noting that the existing N500 charge had remained unchanged for more than eight years despite rising economic pressures.

“Contrary to suggestions that the tariff review is arbitrary or excessive, it is important to state that FAAN has maintained the existing operational tariff of N500 for over eight years despite significant changes in economic realities,” the authority stated.

It noted that inflation, increased operating costs, higher maintenance expenses and broader changes in the cost of doing business had necessitated the adjustment: “The adjustment from N500 to N1,500 should therefore be viewed within the context of prevailing economic realities and the need to sustain critical airport infrastructure and services.”

The authority also dismissed claims that it had refused to engage airport cab operators, stressing that it maintained regular consultations with licensed transport service providers operating within airport premises.

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“FAAN wishes to clarify that it has not refused to engage airport cab operators. The Authority maintains a structured stakeholder engagement framework and routinely interfaces with licensed airport transport service providers,” it said.

According to the agency, its contractual and regulatory relationship is with registered cab companies rather than associations or unions representing them.

FAAN further disclosed that discussions on the vehicle upgrade policy began in July 2024 and that operators had been given multiple extensions to comply with the requirements.

“The matter was first discussed extensively with operators as far back as July 2024, when adequate notice was given to enable companies plan accordingly,” the authority said.

It added that the original deadline was extended first to January 2026 and later to June 2026 following requests from operators.

“In further demonstration of goodwill and consideration, FAAN is currently considering a final extension of the compliance deadline until October 2026,” the statement added.

However, the authority maintained that the policy was not intended to punish operators but to ensure airport transportation services met the standards expected by passengers.

“Given the multiple extensions already granted over a period exceeding two years, FAAN believes that operators have been afforded ample opportunity to prepare for compliance. As such, no further requests for extension are expected to be entertained beyond the proposed final deadline,” it said.

FAAN acknowledged the role of airport cab operators in supporting passenger movement and contributing to airport operations, urging companies to embrace the upgrade initiative and work collaboratively to improve service delivery.

The authority reaffirmed its commitment to policies that place passengers at the centre of service delivery while ensuring airport operations reflect the standards expected of a modern aviation sector.