Passengers lament nonfunctional cooling systems, delay at Abuja airport

Air travellers especially those plying international routes have lamented poor facilities at the international wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe international Airport, Abuja Those who travelled through the terminal in the last two weeks have complained about the poor cooling system. There have been reports over the years the facility has been known for power hiccups, […]

Air travellers especially those plying international routes have lamented poor facilities at the international wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe international Airport, Abuja

Those who travelled through the terminal in the last two weeks have complained about the poor cooling system.

There have been reports over the years the facility has been known for power hiccups, which plunge the whole terminal into darkness even at the most critical period in the night when most of the international airlines are processing their passengers.

Daily Trust understands that almost every year new air conditioners are procured but they break down too often.

On a daily basis, as international flights arrive at the airport, many Nigerians continue to express frustration over dilapidated infrastructures scattered all over the airport.

A passenger, Julius Basil, stated that “For travellers flying into the Abuja airport from places like Europe, America or Middle East, first thing that greets them sometimes is the unhealthy nature of the restrooms which do not befit the status of any international airport even at smaller airports in neighbouring countries.

“Besides the defaced toilets lacking essential needs like tissue papers, air fresheners and soaps, and the internet sometimes is not working efficiently,” he said

Another international passenger, Ronke Gbemuda told Daily Trust that “Apart from the stress you will be made to pass through in the hands of the immigration officials who may keep you standing on the queue for the same hours it takes you to fly for example from places like London to Lagos to have your passport stamped, more troubles await you in the hands of the other different uniform personnel whose major aim is to exploit you.”

“At times, owing to the over flogging of the carousel otherwise known as conveyor belt, count yourself lucky if you are able to collect your luggage without it breaking down midway due to over usage.

“In other climes, an international airport like the Abuja airport should have alternative carousels that can conveniently handle passengers luggage particularly during the peak periods when there may likely be multiple flights landing at the same time,” she said

Another international traveler who just returned from Eurpope, Emmanuel Nnasom, said, “Even the cooling systems that cost Nigeria several millions of naira to install are not faring better especially during the day when it is sunny as foreign carriers come in to pick their passengers out of the country. You see passengers sweating profusely while they await their flights.

“Sometimes, it’s either the entire environment suddenly goes into darkness,” he lamented

Similarly, a passenger who arrived at the international wing of Abuja airport but prefers anonymity told Daily Trust that “some corners of the airport were using support fans tucked at corners in the counters not because there was no air conditioning, but that the heat was too much for passengers.”

 

 

 

In Kano, Daily Trust’s correspondent who visited the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport spoke with passengers who just arrived through the Ethiopian Airline, Egypt Air and Saudi Air.

 

The passengers called for improvement in passengers’ facilitation and comfort.

 

 

 

Hajiya Binta Sani, who arrived from Saudi Arabia however told Daily Trust that she had “a smooth flight, but most of the passengers were afraid that the flight may be cancelled due to the weather.”

 

 

 

The Group Chief Executive Officer of Media Trust Group, Mall. Ahmed Shekarau also lamented the non-functioning cooling system at Abuja Airport during his recent trip.

 

 

 

Narrating his experience, he said, “We set out with colleagues to Kenya flying Ethiopian Airlines.

 

 

 

“Our experience at the waiting area after the checking procedures was quite unpleasant. The ACs in the waiting area were not working. Conversely, we had pleasing experiences at the airports in both Addis Ababa (where we did a stopover) and in Nairobi (which was our destination).

 

 

 

“We saw clearly that what it takes to attract foreign investors is not mere lip service but discipline and commitment. We saw that while Nigeria has much more resources to have functional facilities at its airports and other strategic locations, the Kenyans were intentional about making a good impression about themselves and their country, resulting in the welcoming experiences that we had from the airport to many other places we visited within the six days we spent in their country.

 

 

 

“Again, our harrowing experiences continued when, upon our return on Monday, 1st December, 2025, we had to spend longer than necessary time queuing for Immigration checks, under excruciating heat.”

 

 

 

Shekarau also decried the challenges with picking up luggage in the midst of the heat at the baggage area, saying, “These are circumstances that are not in any way welcoming to visitors to our country.”

 

 

 

Daily Trust reports that Abuja is one of the five airports including MMIA, Kano, Port Harcourt International Airport and Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, which were remodeled by the federal government with a $500m loan sourced from China Exim Bank.

 

 

 

Despite the remodeling the basic cooling system at some of the airports has collapsed/

 

 

 

For many passengers, the heat at the airports remains unbearable and called on the authorities to address the challenges.

 

 

 

Also, the cooling system at the MMIA remains an issue. However, the federal government has approved N712bn for the reconstruction of the MMIA old terminal.

 

 

 

We are enhancing cooling systems – FAAN

 

 

 

Speaking recently, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku stated that ahead of the yuletide season, the Authority is working tirelessly to ensure that the cooling systems at the airports are working perfectly.