FAAN eyes revenue increase from special landing facilities

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), said yesterday that it is exploring opportunities for revenue increase and hub optimization from the evolving special landing facilities  for urban  air mobility , which is  already gaining traction in the global aviation eco-system called  “Vertiport “.

A vertiport is a designated area for the takeoff, landing, and servicing of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, including air taxis, drones, and other electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles.

It functions as a modern-day helipad specifically for VTOLs and can be part of a larger verti-hub, particularly in areas with high air traffic.

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Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku , who disclosed this while making a presentation at the 5th International Drone Technology Conference and Expo (DRONETECX 2025), in Lagos said  many authorities are looking at a special landing and takeoff system for this smaller aircraft, noting that  future operational protocols are still being developed for the value chain.

Speaking through the Director of Special Duties, Mr Henry Agbebire, Kuku said global airports are beginning to take this matter seriously in their design and redesign to have a comprehensive handling capacity for the Advance Air Mobility (AAM), as  Vertiport is presenting an interesting option for airports worldwide.

She said: “I am happy that DRONETECX request that we in Nigeria begin to look at the optional option also, as the nature of Nigeria’s geographic spread and the size may require more than conventional aviation to close the gap in air transportation reach.

Kuku said:” It  (vertiport) functions as a modern-day helipad specifically for VTOLs and can be part of a larger verti-hub, particularly in areas with high air traffic.

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