United Nigeria Airlines and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have reinforced their strategic partnership following a high-level meeting in Lagos focused on aviation safety, infrastructure upgrades and the airline’s growth expansion plans.
The United Nigeria Airlines delegation, led by its Chairman, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, met with the FAAN team headed by the Managing Director/CE, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, at the Authority’s headquarters to deepen collaboration across key operational areas.
Discussions centred on aviation environmental safety, bird strike mitigation, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) support, airport operating hours, and infrastructure improvements at critical airports nationwide.
Okonkwo described the rising incidence of bird strikes as a significant operational and financial burden on airlines, calling for sustained environmental control measures around airport vicinities. He also raised concerns over the limitations of sunrise and sunset airports, explaining that restricted operating hours and inadequate facilities at some Category II airports frequently disrupt flight schedules and cause delays.
The Chairman further highlighted the growing challenge of unruly passenger behaviour and formally requested land allocation in Abuja for the development of a United Nigeria Airlines MRO facility aimed at strengthening local aircraft maintenance capacity.
In her response, Kuku stressed that collaboration between airport authorities and airlines remains critical to improving safety and operational efficiency. She revealed that FAAN has identified key factors contributing to bird strikes and is implementing proactive environmental strategies, including enhanced grass and habitat management, alongside stronger corporate responsibility initiatives within airport environments.
FAAN also disclosed plans to upgrade airfield lighting at Category II airports to support extended operational hours. According to the Authority, apron and lighting improvements are underway at Benin Airport, while lighting upgrades are planned for Jos Airport. The agency further pledged stricter enforcement measures to curb unruly passenger behaviour.
On the request for land allocation for an Abuja-based MRO facility, FAAN expressed willingness to review the proposal with a view to fast-tracking approval, describing the initiative as vital to boosting Nigeria’s local aircraft maintenance capability.
Commenting after the meeting, Okonkwo emphasised that sustained cooperation between airlines and airport authorities remains essential for safe, efficient and sustainable industry growth.
Other members of the United Nigeria Airlines leadership team at the meeting included Linus Awute, Director of Administration; Capt. Ahmad Mahmoud, Director of Flight Operations; Raphael Uchegbu, Chief Commercial Officer; and Kelechi Violet Asuquo, Director of Human Resources, alongside other directors.
The engagement signals renewed momentum in public-private collaboration within Nigeria’s aviation sector, as stakeholders work to strengthen safety standards, operational efficiency and long-term capacity development.