The new equipment is expected to ease the movement of passengers with reduced mobility, particularly those who require additional assistance when boarding or disembarking from aircraft, while promoting safer, more dignified and efficient airport services.
FAAN announced the development in a statement published on its official X handle on Thursday, explaining that the ambulifts would provide specialised support for passengers who may find conventional boarding and disembarkation procedures challenging.
According to the authority, the equipment is intended to ensure that passengers who need extra assistance can access air travel services with greater comfort, safety and dignity.
“The addition of the ambulifts is aimed at providing the necessary assistance to passengers who may require additional support when boarding or disembarking aircraft, ensuring they receive dignified, safe and efficient care throughout their journey,” FAAN said.
The delivery forms part of the agency’s broader efforts to strengthen passenger facilitation services and improve the overall travel experience at Nigeria’s busiest international airport.
As air travel facilities continue to accommodate passengers with diverse needs, the introduction of ambulifts is expected to provide a more accessible option for travellers with mobility limitations, including those who require assistance moving between the airport terminal and an aircraft.
FAAN disclosed that the keys to the two ambulifts had been formally handed over to NACHO Aviation Services by the Director of Airport Operations, Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood. The service provider is expected to oversee their deployment and operation at the airport.
“The keys to the two ambulifts were formally handed over to NACHO Aviation Services by the Director of Airport Operations, Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood, who will oversee their deployment and operation at the airport,” the authority said.
The equipment is expected to support airport personnel in assisting eligible passengers during aircraft boarding and disembarkation, helping to address some of the physical challenges that travellers with limited mobility may encounter during their journeys.
For passengers who rely on mobility assistance, access to appropriate airport equipment is an important aspect of a seamless travel experience. The availability of ambulifts can help reduce the difficulties associated with boarding and leaving aircraft, while supporting safer passenger-handling procedures.
Reaffirming its commitment to inclusive airport services, FAAN said the initiative reflected its determination to ensure that passengers receive appropriate assistance irrespective of their physical limitations.
“The initiative underscores FAAN’s commitment to strengthening passenger facilitation services and ensuring that every passenger, regardless of mobility limitations, receives the support and assistance they deserve,” the authority said.
The deployment of the ambulifts at Murtala Muhammed International Airport represents another step in FAAN’s efforts to improve passenger handling and make airport services more accessible to travellers who require additional support.
However, the effectiveness of the initiative will depend on the availability of the equipment when needed, its proper operation and the coordination of airport personnel responsible for assisting passengers.
With the addition of the two ambulifts, FAAN is seeking to reinforce the principle that accessibility should remain an essential part of airport operations, ensuring that passengers with reduced mobility can travel with greater safety, comfort and dignity.