The dysfunctional state of aero bridges at Nigerian airports, particularly the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, is causing significant financial strain on international airlines and inconveniencing passengers. While in developed countries, aero bridges seamlessly connect aircraft doors to terminal buildings, facilitating swift embarkation and disembarkation, the situation in Nigeria is starkly different. Airlines are forced to rely on ground handling companies to tow their aircraft to the few functioning aero bridges, incurring substantial costs and adding unnecessary delays to passengers’ journeys. This antiquated procedure not only reflects poorly on Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure but also raises concerns about potential collusion between ground handling companies and airport authorities.
The financial burden on international airlines is staggering. With an estimated 11,880 aircraft movements annually at the Lagos airport’s international wing, and towing charges ranging from $673 for smaller aircraft to $1,350 for larger ones, airlines collectively spend millions of dollars each year on this unnecessary service. Converting this figure to Naira, at an exchange rate of N1,534 to the dollar, the total annual cost surpasses N24 billion. This significant expenditure ultimately impacts ticket prices, potentially hindering the growth of the Nigerian aviation sector and discouraging international travel. Moreover, the 20-minute average delay incurred during each disembarkation process adds up to considerable lost time for passengers, impacting their schedules and overall travel experience.
Adding to the confusion is the revelation that 28 aero bridges were procured in 2014, yet remain uninstalled. These bridges, reportedly purchased from China, could have alleviated the current predicament, yet their continued absence fuels speculation about mismanagement and potential vested interests. The lack of transparency from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) further exacerbates the issue. Both the Director of Airport Operations and the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection have remained unresponsive to inquiries regarding the missing aero bridges, raising concerns about accountability and the effective utilization of public funds.
Industry experts and former aviation officials have voiced their concerns about the situation. Roland Iyayi, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, suggests a possible “connivance” between ground handling companies and FAAN, drawing a parallel with the reliance on generators due to unreliable power supply. He argues that the absence of functioning aero bridges creates an artificial demand for towing services, benefiting the ground handling companies at the expense of airlines and passengers. This perspective raises serious questions about the integrity of the system and calls for a thorough investigation into the matter.
Retired Captain Mohammed Badamosi echoes these concerns and urges FAAN to expedite the installation of the procured aero bridges. He emphasizes that the financial burden on airlines and the inconvenience to passengers justify swift action. The continuous reliance on towing not only reflects poorly on Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure but also raises questions about the country’s commitment to international best practices and passenger comfort. The lack of urgency displayed by FAAN in addressing this issue further underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability within the organization.
The situation at Nigerian airports highlights a systemic problem that extends beyond the immediate issue of unavailable aero bridges. It reflects a broader challenge of infrastructure deficit, inefficient management, and a lack of accountability that plagues various sectors of the Nigerian economy. The continued reliance on outdated and costly procedures, despite the availability of modern solutions, underscores the urgent need for reform and a commitment to improving the overall passenger experience. The inaction of FAAN in this matter demands a thorough investigation to determine the reasons behind the delay in installing the procured aero bridges and to address any potential corruption or mismanagement that may be contributing to the problem. Ultimately, a comprehensive overhaul of the system is needed to ensure that Nigerian airports meet international standards and provide efficient and comfortable service to passengers.
