The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says the overhead bridge connecting Terminals One and Two at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, will be ready for the December peak travel period.

The Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, gave the assurance  after inspecting the final concrete work on the bridge on Tuesday in Lagos.

 Ms Kuku also inspected the ongoing rehabilitation and expansion works at the airport.

She said the completion of the concrete work was significant in the project, adding that the canopy, framing and rails were already substantially completed.

She said the bridge would also link the transit hub and support the expansion of the fingers at Terminal 2.

“I am confident that by the December peak period, we should have this open for public use,” she said.

Ms Kuku said the overall rehabilitation project at the airport was progressing, with work advancing on Terminal 1, including the iconic eagle structure where the canopy would be installed.

She said that canopy and facade works were ongoing on both the new structure and the existing terminal building.

According to her, FAAN has also been reviewing the technology and equipment that will form part of the modernised airport infrastructure.

“These include baggage handling equipment and check-in technology systems, retail layout and space design, as well as overall passenger experience enhancements,” she said.

Ms Kuku thanked President Bola Tinubu for  support and investment in the aviation sector.

She also praised the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), for support and insistence on timely delivery of the project.

She acknowledged the frustration being experienced by passengers and other airport users because of heavy traffic and construction-related disruptions in the airport.

She, however, said that the ongoing overhaul was necessary after years without major structural upgrades.

“Operating a high-traffic airport while executing a major rehabilitation is a complex challenge.

“However, the progress made today is for the long-term benefit of the country, passengers, and the airport as the primary point of entry into Nigeria,” she said.

On accessibility, Ms Kuku said FAAN had acquired and delivered two AmbuLifts to the airport to assist passengers with reduced mobility.

She said that a ground-handling company had provided one, bringing the number of active units to three.

She said that the upgraded terminals would feature enhanced Flight Information Display Systems with audio and visual capabilities to improve accessibility for passengers with hearing or visual impairments.

“Ramps, accessible elevators and dedicated wheelchair routes are also being incorporated into the terminal and finger corridors,” she said.

Ms Kuku said that passenger flows had also been redesigned, with arrival and departure streams separated and wheelchair-accessible ramps connecting gates to the terminal buildings.

She disclosed that the federal government was initiating an extension of the Lagos Mass Transit Red Line Rail to the airport.

According to her, the extension will have four or five stops within the airport perimeter, including Terminal 1, Terminal 2, the Hadron Cargo Area, administrative offices and the Bissam area.

She noted that the project would provide a direct rail connection between the airport and the city, allowing passengers to travel toward Marina without relying on road transport.

Ms Kuku said environmental impact assessments, design reviews and procurement processes were currently being undertaken for the rail project.

She urged travellers to arrive at the airport three or four hours before their scheduled departure times, follow directional signs and make proper use of designated parking areas during the December travel peak period.

She also advised travellers to confirm flight updates directly with their airlines before leaving for the airport.

Ms Kuku said FAAN would deploy additional personnel across the airport during the holiday period to assist travellers and reduce operational challenges.

She attributed the congestion around the Seymour drop-off zone to driver behaviour, saying  that many motorists preferred to stop at Level 1 despite the availability of upper levels with direct connections to the terminal.

Ms Kuku said that FAAN had also connected the Seymour Car Park directly to Terminal 2 to enable passengers to walk conveniently to their vehicles.

Ms Kuku inspected the progress of the projects in the company with FAAN directors.

MMIA Terminal 1 rehabilitation and modernisation project  is a major overhaul.

The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation is leading in the project execution.

The cost is ₦712.26 billion. It is funded domestically via the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund. 

(NAN)