Why Passengers Can't Walk Freely on Airport Tarmacs, FAAN Boss

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has explained why passengers can't walk freely on airport tarmacs. They warned that moving around aircraft without permission can lead to serious injuries and affect flight safety.

FAAN's Managing Director, Olubunmi Onabanjo-Kuku, shared this on Wednesday in a post on X. She pointed out the dangers of allowing people unrestricted access to airport areas where planes operate.

The post included pictures and illustrations. It made clear that the tarmac is not a place for the public but a busy area where aircraft, ground support vehicles, and airport staff work together carefully.

"Unauthorised access can put lives at risk and compromise flight safety," Ms Kuku said in the caption.

FAAN explained that aircraft engines create strong airflow and suction. This can pull in loose items, clothing, and even people towards the engine intakes. They warned that being too close to a running engine could cause serious injuries. Also, if objects are sucked into engines, it could lead to major damage.

The authority stressed that keeping a safe distance from aircraft engines is important for protecting passengers and airport staff. FAAN added that the tarmac has many moving vehicles. These include baggage loaders, pushback tractors, fuel trucks, and other ground support equipment.

These vehicles have blind spots and follow specific procedures. So, moving around without permission can lead to accidents or collisions.

FAAN further warned that aircraft need clear areas to move, especially on runways and taxiways. Unauthorised access to these spots could result in dangerous situations for passengers, flight crews, and airport staff.

FAAN noted that passengers are not totally banned from walking on airport tarmacs. At some airports, when boarding requires passengers to walk between terminals and aircraft, it is allowed under controlled conditions.

But the authority said passengers must be supervised and guided by authorised airport or airline staff. They emphasized that airport operational areas are restricted for safety and security reasons. Only authorised persons can access these areas following set procedures.

"Every access restriction has a purpose. Every safety rule matters," Ms Kuku said. She added that keeping the airport safe is everyone's job.

In May, PREMIUM TIMES reported that Patience Abbo, wife of former Adamawa North Senator Ishaku Abbo, was seen walking with her husband on the airport tarmac at Yola Airport.

The report showed footage from Mrs Abbo’s social media account. In it, she walked across the airport apron near an aircraft staircase, exchanged a black phone case with her husband, and hugged him before he boarded the plane.

The video also showed someone else recording the farewell from within the restricted area. This raised questions about how both Mrs Abbo and the videographer got onto the tarmac.

PREMIUM TIMES later reported another incident in June, showing Mrs Abbo again accompanying her husband on the tarmac, this time wheeling a suitcase to the aircraft staircase. This second video raised more questions about whether the first incident was a one-time issue.

Following these reports, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo ordered an investigation into security procedures at Yola Airport. He sought explanations from airport security officials.

The incidents raised concerns about how airport access rules are enforced. There are worries that some important people might be allowed to ignore rules that apply to regular passengers.

Airport operational areas, often called airside, have strict access controls under Nigeria’s aviation security laws. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, especially Part 17 on aviation security, outline measures to stop unauthorised access to aircraft and restricted airport areas.

The rules describe airside as the area of the airport where movement happens, including nearby land and buildings, and access is controlled.

Access to aircraft operational areas is usually limited to screened passengers with valid boarding passes and authorized airport or airline staff. The rules aim to protect aircraft, passengers, airport workers, and important aviation infrastructure from security issues and operational risks.

FAAN’s latest explanation highlights the difference between supervised boarding and unrestricted access to operational areas. The authority made it clear that the tarmac should not be seen as a public walkway. They warned that even one unauthorised movement could have serious effects on airport safety.