FAAN defends airport cab tariff increase, retains October deadline for vehicle upgrade

THE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has defended its decision to increase operational charges for airport cab operators and enforce a vehicle upgrade policy, insisting the measures are designed to improve passenger safety, service quality and overall airport transport standards.

The authority, in a statement issued on Friday, said the compliance deadline for operators to replace older vehicles remains October 2026, stressing that stakeholders have been aware of the policy since discussions began in July 2024.

The clarification follows opposition from some airport cab operators who have criticised both the mandatory vehicle upgrade and the increase in operational tariffs. FAAN, however, maintained that the reforms are necessary to align airport transport services with international best practices.

According to the agency, operators had already benefited from multiple extensions after the original January 2026 deadline was shifted to June 2026 following requests from stakeholders. It said it is now considering October 2026 as a final extension to allow additional time for compliance.

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“In further demonstration of goodwill and consideration, FAAN is currently considering a final extension of the compliance deadline until October 2026. This additional period is expected to provide adequate opportunity for operators to align with the required standards,” the authority said.

The agency emphasised that no further extensions would be granted beyond October, noting that operators had been given more than two years to prepare for the transition.

“Given the multiple extensions already granted over a period exceeding two years, FAAN believes that operators have been afforded ample opportunity to prepare for compliance. As such, no further requests for extension are expected to be entertained beyond the proposed final deadline,” it added.

Explaining the rationale for the policy, FAAN said requiring newer vehicle models is intended to improve reliability, comfort, safety and passenger satisfaction, arguing that airport users deserve clean, roadworthy and professionally maintained vehicles consistent with the standards of a modern international airport.

The authority also defended the increase in operational charges from N500 to N1,500, noting that the previous tariff had remained unchanged for more than 8 years despite rising operating costs and inflation.

It said the revised fee should be viewed against prevailing economic realities and the need to sustain critical airport infrastructure and services.

READ ALSO: FAAN defends airport cab tariff increase, retains October deadline for vehicle upgrade

Addressing allegations that it failed to consult stakeholders, FAAN said it maintains regular engagement with licensed airport transport service providers. It clarified that its contractual relationship is with registered airport cab companies rather than transport associations or unions.

The authority insisted the reforms are not intended to punish operators or deprive them of business opportunities but to ensure airport transport services meet acceptable safety and service standards.

FAAN urged licensed airport cab companies to support the initiative and work collaboratively towards delivering safer, more efficient and customer-focused transportation services across the nation’s airports.