FAAN Unveils Five Proposed Stops For Lagos Airport Rail Link
FAAN Unveils Five Proposed Stops For Lagos Airport Rail Link
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has disclosed plans to establish about five railway stops within the Murtala Muhammed International Airport as part of the proposed extension of the Lagos Red Line rail project.
The Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Onabanjo-Kuku, disclosed this during an inspection of the ongoing remodelling of Terminals 1 and 2 at the Lagos airport, explaining that the project would provide direct rail connectivity between the airport and other parts of Lagos.
According to her, the proposed stations would serve Terminal 1, Terminal 2, the Hadron Cargo area, airport offices and another location around Bisam.
The project, being initiated by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, is expected to extend the existing Red Line from its current terminus around Ikeja into the airport, offering passengers an alternative to road transportation.
Onabanjo-Kuku said the initiative was designed to improve accessibility and reduce dependence on vehicles for airport journeys.
“The whole idea is to connect the city to the airport. So from the airport, you should be able to get into Marina almost immediately. You shouldn’t have to use cars,” she said.
However, she noted that construction would not commence immediately, as the project was still undergoing technical and regulatory processes, including environmental impact assessments, design reviews and procurement procedures.
She described the proposed rail connection as a landmark project that would complement the ongoing rehabilitation and expansion of the airport’s international terminals.
Airport Rehabilitation Progresses
On the ongoing remodelling of Terminals 1 and 2, the FAAN managing director expressed optimism that key components of the project would be completed before the December peak travel period.
She disclosed that the final concrete work on the overhead bridge connecting the two terminals had been completed, marking a major milestone in the rehabilitation programme.
According to her, the bridge is expected to improve movement between the terminals and enhance the overall passenger experience once it becomes operational.
Onabanjo-Kuku said consultations with project consultants and engineers indicated that the facility could be ready for use within the next couple of months.
She added that the canopy and structural works had substantially progressed, while the bridge rails had also been installed.
Beyond the bridge, she said construction was continuing on Terminal 1, particularly the canopy structure and façade, alongside upgrades to baggage-handling systems, check-in technology, retail facilities and other passenger-processing infrastructure.
The improvements are intended to modernise airport operations and enhance service delivery to travellers.
FAAN Appeals for Passenger Patience
The FAAN chief acknowledged that the prolonged construction activities had caused inconvenience to passengers, particularly in terms of traffic congestion and movement within the airport.
She said the challenges were understandable, given that the airport had operated for about 50 years without a major upgrade on the current scale.
According to her, managing airport operations alongside extensive construction work had presented significant challenges for the authority.
She appealed to passengers to remain patient and cooperate with the arrangements introduced to minimise disruptions during the rehabilitation.
Facilities for Passengers with Reduced Mobility
Onabanjo-Kuku also disclosed that FAAN was strengthening provisions for passengers with disabilities and those requiring assistance with movement.
She said the authority had acquired two ambulifts, while a ground-handling company had provided an additional unit to support passengers with limited mobility.
The renovated facilities would also feature wheelchair-accessible ramps, elevators and improved passenger-separation arrangements.
She added that flight information systems would be designed to accommodate passengers with hearing and visual impairments, emphasising the authority’s commitment to making the airport more inclusive.
Motorists, Travellers Urged to Follow Guidelines
Meanwhile, FAAN has urged motorists and passengers to comply with traffic and movement arrangements introduced around the airport during the construction period.
The authority recently connected the Seymour Car Park to Terminal 2 and advised motorists to use designated parking levels and follow directional signs.
Onabanjo-Kuku further advised passengers to arrive at the airport three to four hours before their scheduled flights while construction continues.
She also encouraged travellers to contact their airlines for flight updates and follow instructions issued by airport personnel.
The managing director said FAAN would deploy additional personnel within the airport to assist passengers and manage movement during the period.
The proposed rail extension, alongside the ongoing terminal rehabilitation, is expected to improve airport accessibility, passenger convenience and operational efficiency when completed.