FAAN Introduces Wheelchair Support Services for Passengers with Disabilities and Special Needs

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has rolled out a new initiative aimed at improving accessibility and travel comfort for passengers with disabilities, the elderly, and other individuals with mobility challenges across airports in the country. The move is part of FAAN’s broader commitment to enhancing customer service and aligning Nigeria’s aviation sector with global best practices.

According to FAAN management, the wheelchair support programme will be available at major airports nationwide, providing dedicated assistance for passengers who require mobility support from the terminal entrance to the aircraft and vice versa. The service is designed to ensure that individuals with physical challenges, senior citizens, expectant mothers, and other travellers with special needs experience seamless airport navigation and boarding processes.

The new measure reflects FAAN’s drive to promote inclusivity and accessibility in air travel, an area that has often attracted criticism from advocacy groups and passengers with disabilities due to the lack of adequate facilities. FAAN’s spokesperson explained that specially trained personnel will be deployed at airports to assist passengers, ensuring that support is provided with dignity and efficiency.

Industry observers say the initiative is in response to increasing advocacy from civil society and international aviation bodies for airports to be more disability-friendly. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have over the years emphasized the importance of inclusive air travel policies that cater to passengers with varying physical needs. FAAN’s latest announcement is seen as a step toward meeting those global standards.

Beyond providing physical wheelchairs, FAAN has also disclosed plans to train airport staff on handling passengers with disabilities and offering specialized services tailored to their unique needs. This includes training on proper lifting and handling techniques, sign language communication, and assisting visually impaired travellers. The agency stressed that the service would be available at no extra cost to passengers, underscoring its commitment to making Nigerian airports accessible to all travellers irrespective of their physical conditions.

Passengers with disabilities have frequently raised concerns about the lack of infrastructure at airports, including inadequate ramps, poorly designed walkways, and limited support staff. With this development, FAAN is also reviewing airport facilities to ensure they meet accessibility standards, with plans to install more ramps, tactile floor paths for the visually impaired, and accessible restrooms. These enhancements are expected to make the travel experience more comfortable for those who have previously struggled with the limitations of Nigerian airports.

The initiative has drawn commendations from disability rights groups and passenger associations who have long campaigned for more inclusive travel systems. Advocacy groups have noted that air travel is a public service and should not exclude any segment of the population due to physical limitations. The latest announcement is expected to ease travel difficulties and encourage greater participation of persons with disabilities in air travel.

FAAN’s management further noted that the new service aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes inclusivity and improved infrastructure. It also complements FAAN’s ongoing modernization projects, which include upgrading terminal facilities, enhancing security infrastructure, and improving overall passenger experience.

In addition, the new wheelchair support programme is expected to boost Nigeria’s image internationally as an aviation hub that prioritizes accessibility. The availability of such services is a key benchmark for global airlines and airport authorities when assessing international travel hubs for partnerships and route expansion. By taking this step, FAAN positions Nigerian airports to meet the expectations of international travellers and airlines who prioritize inclusive passenger services.

Airline operators have also expressed support for the programme, noting that providing mobility assistance will improve passenger satisfaction and reduce delays associated with boarding and disembarkation for persons with disabilities. Some carriers are expected to work closely with FAAN to synchronize services and ensure that support begins at check-in and continues until the passenger is safely onboard.

While the initiative has been widely welcomed, stakeholders have urged FAAN to ensure the programme is effectively implemented nationwide rather than being concentrated only at major airports like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. There are calls for uniform standards across all Nigerian airports to prevent inconsistencies in service delivery.

Analysts believe that successful implementation of the wheelchair support service could pave the way for additional inclusive measures, including priority security checks, improved signage for the hearing impaired, and digital accessibility features at airports. This could also attract partnerships with international development organizations supporting inclusive infrastructure.

FAAN has assured the public that the wheelchair support programme is already operational in some airports and will be fully rolled out nationwide in the coming months. The agency says feedback mechanisms will be put in place for passengers to report their experiences, helping the authority continuously improve service delivery.

With air travel becoming an increasingly important mode of transportation for Nigerians, FAAN’s wheelchair support initiative marks a significant milestone in making aviation services more inclusive. If properly sustained, the programme could become a model for other African countries and help Nigeria meet international standards on accessibility and passenger care.