FAAN warns passengers against carrying hazardous items on flights

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has cautioned passengers against boarding aircraft with hazardous materials, warning that such actions could endanger flight safety.

FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, raised the concern following two separate incidents in which passengers attempted to board flights with acidic substances and other prohibited items at the Abuja and Kano airports.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos, Kuku stressed the importance of enforcing strict compliance with established regulations for the handling and packaging of dangerous goods.

“I believe we had two situations in Abuja and Kano airports. In Abuja, we had a passenger who came into the terminal with items. The aviation security officers had asked her if what she had was acidic in nature.

“The passenger was livid. She was upset. In fact, I understand she slapped some FAAN security officers that were there who restrained themselves because her question back to them is, ‘Why should I have acid?’ Even passengers sometimes do not understand what is classified as prohibited materials or dangerous goods,” she explained.

Kuku emphasised the need for better communication and coordination among security agencies operating within airport environments to ensure safety and public awareness.

She also referenced the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)’s recently updated National Facilitation Programme, headed by the NCAA’s Director General, which provides a framework for harmonising airport operations and security procedures.

“That programme is actually domesticated at the airport level by our airport managers. We are now extending it not just to the security agencies under FAAN but to all security agencies operating within the airport environment,” she added.

Kuku reiterated FAAN’s commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards across all Nigerian airports and urged passengers to familiarise themselves with the list of restricted and hazardous items before travelling.