The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has issued a clarification regarding its role in handling passenger-related disturbances within airport premises, following recent public discussions sparked by an incident on a United Airlines flight at Asaba Airport.
As part of its statutory responsibilities, FAAN provides Aviation Security (AVSEC) and firefighting services across all Nigerian airports, covering federal, state, and private facilities. AVSEC officers serve as the internal security team tasked with maintaining order and ensuring the safety of passengers, airport staff, and infrastructure.
Key Points of the Release:
- Airline Responsibility for Onboard Incidents:
When disturbances occur on board an aircraft or during boarding, the airline holds primary responsibility for managing the situation. This includes dealing with disruptive passengers, possibly deboarding them before transferring the issue to airport security. - AVSEC’s Role at Airports:
AVSEC officers receive disruptive passengers from airlines, conduct preliminary assessments, ensure order within terminal and airside areas, and hand over such individuals to the Nigeria Police or other law enforcement agencies for further action. These procedures are standardized across all Nigerian airports. - Role of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA):
NCAA is the regulatory body authorized to investigate aviation incidents, determine infractions, and enforce sanctions related to passenger conduct, regulatory breaches, and airline compliance. This distinction clarifies the separate functions of FAAN (operational security) and NCAA (regulatory oversight). - FAAN’s Commitment:
FAAN affirms its dedication to maintaining safe, secure, and orderly airports by collaborating with airlines, NCAA, and law enforcement. The authority encourages the public to follow official communications concerning ongoing incident reviews and continues to promote proper conduct among airport users to ensure smooth operations nationwide.
