FAAN Rules Out Further Deadline Shift On Airport Cab Vehicle Upgrade

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has reaffirmed that airport cab operators must comply with its vehicle upgrade policy by October 2026, stressing that no further extension will be granted after the deadline.
The authority said the policy, introduced to improve passenger safety, comfort and service quality, had been communicated to operators since July 2024 and had already benefited from several deadline extensions following requests from stakeholders.
In a statement issued weekend, FAAN explained that it is considering October 2026 as the final compliance deadline to allow operators sufficient time to meet the required standards.
According to the Authority, the latest extension demonstrates its commitment to working with operators while ensuring airport transport services meet acceptable safety and operational benchmarks.
FAAN noted that the original compliance date of January 2026 was shifted to June 2026 after consultations with operators, adding that the proposed October deadline represents the last opportunity for affected companies to upgrade their fleets.
The Authority maintained that the vehicle replacement policy is intended to provide passengers with cleaner, safer and more reliable transportation services that reflect the standards expected at modern international airports.
It also defended the increase in operational tariffs for airport cab operators from N500 to N1,500, arguing that the previous charge had remained unchanged for more than eight years despite rising operational costs and inflationary pressures.
FAAN said the tariff review is necessary to support the maintenance of critical airport infrastructure and sustain efficient service delivery.
Responding to claims of inadequate stakeholder engagement, the Authority said it maintains regular consultations with licensed airport transport service providers and clarified that its contractual relationship is with registered cab companies rather than transport unions or associations.
The agency urged all licensed airport cab operators to embrace the reforms, describing the initiative as part of efforts to improve customer experience and align Nigeria’s airport transportation system with international best practices.