Aviation

FAAN Explains Crowding Of Cargo Terminal

Published

12 years ago

October 3, 2014

The Federal Airports Au
thority of Nigeria (FAAN), has explained that the stretching of airport facilities at the cargo terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, was caused by the airlifting of hundreds of Nigerians for this year’s Hajj and the ongoing construction to expand the terminal.
The agency denied the allegation that facilities at the terminal were in deplorable condition, explaining that they were overstretched because many travellers have access to the toilet and other facilities.
The agency said its management has directed that the terminal be evacuated and cleaned immediately after each flight with the pilgrims has taken off.
FAAN said in a statement made available to newsmen that the toilet system at the terminal was over-stretched after each flight.
According to the statement, every year the cargo/Hajj terminal is crowed due to Hajj operation, stressing that in recognition of the high number of intending pilgrims, the agency had built 39 toilets and provided other facilities to ease the activities of the passengers but admitted that at peak hours the facilities could be overstretched.
“There is no doubt that the 39 toilet facilities provided at the terminal could be overstretched when used by an average of 500 pilgrims per flight for about two weeks, but it was uncharitable to say that these toilet facilities were not cleaned throughout this period,” FAAN said.
It noted that relevant government agencies responsible for the airlift and welfare of pilgrims, such as National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), could not have turned blind eye to such a dangerous situation if it were actually deplorable as claimed.
“We question the veracity of this claim because individual pilgrims can only approach “the terminal authority” with such complaints through official of NAHCON or other relevant agencies who have unfettered access to officials of FAAN, some of whom are specially posted during Hajj operations to facilitate efficient service delivery, including a clean secure and safe environment at the Hajj Terminal during this period,” the agency stated.
However, FAAN assured all intending pilgrims and the general public that the authority has put necessary machinery in place to ensure that all Hajj terminals across the country, are safe, secure and in good hygienic condition to effectively handle Hajj operations.
“We, therefore consider any talk of impending outbreak of epidemic at any of our Hajj terminal as not only misleading but also malicious,” the agency added.

Stories by Felix Okogbule

An accident scene at Airport Road in Abuja recently

Aviation

Togo Govt Scraps It’s Visa Requirements For All African Countries

Published

3 months ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

The Togolese government has scrapped visa requirements for nationals of all African countries, effective May 18, 2026, meaning Nigerians with valid passports can now enter the country without applying for visa in advance.

African travellers can now stay in Togo visa-free for up to 30 days counting from May 18, 2026.

Visitors must still complete an online pre-arrival registration before entering the country.

The announcement came via the official X handle of Togo’s Ministry of Security, signed by the ministry’s head, Colonel Calixte Batossie Madjoulba.

Under the new policy, eligible African travellers can stay in Togo for up to 30 days without a visa, with the government describing the move as a commitment to Pan-African ideals and regional integration.

Government based the decision within a wider Pan-African agenda, stating that it reaffirms Togo’s attachment to “Pan-African ideals, continental solidarity, and community and African commitments, relating to mobility and regional integration.”

Togo also positioned the move as part of an agenda of “openness, modernisation, and attractiveness” aimed at making the country “a regional hub for services, business, culture, and human exchanges at the heart of Africa.”

There is, however, one step travellers cannot skip. Before arrival, visitors must register on the Togolese government’s official travel portal at voyage.gouv.tg at least 24 hours before reaching the border.

Nigerians can now travel to Togo without applying for a visa in advance.

The registration generates a travel slip that must be presented at entry points across land, air, and sea. The government has been clear that this pre-arrival formality remains mandatory regardless of the visa exemption.

Beyond the registration requirement, standard entry conditions still apply. Security checks, immigration screening, and public health requirements remain in place, and the waiver does not protect travellers who overstay or enter irregularly.

All border agencies have been directed to implement the new policy immediately.

Togo’s decision is part of a broader continental shift. Across Africa, more governments are moving to ease intra-African travel in alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area’s vision of freer movement of people and goods.

Togo is now among the more accessible West African destinations for Nigerian travellers, a short trip that previously required advance visa processing and now requires nothing more than a passport and a quick online registration the day before you fly.

Aviation

Egypt Flight Moves To Prevent Explosion —- Diverts London Flight To Rome

Published

3 months ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

An EasyJet flight from Egypt to London was diverted to Rome after a passenger was found with a power bank in checked luggage.

The airline said the diversion was made as a safety precaution due to regulations surrounding lithium-ion batteries.

Passengers landed safely in Rome and were provided accommodation and refreshments after the delay.

The aircraft, operating flight EZY2618 from Hurghada to London Luton, made an unscheduled landing at Rome Fiumicino Airport last Tuesday evening as a precautionary safety measure.

According to the airline, the decision to divert was taken after a passenger informed cabin crew that the portable charger was inside luggage stored in the aircraft’s hold.

Although no fire or malfunction was reported, lithium-ion batteries found in power banks are considered a significant safety risk on aircraft due to the possibility of overheating or catching fire.

Flight tracking data showed the plane cruising at approximately 36,000 feet over the Adriatic Sea before suddenly changing course and heading towards Rome, where it landed safely about 20 minutes later.

Passengers reportedly disembarked without incident, while the flight was rescheduled for the following day.

In a statement, EasyJet apologised for the disruption and said the diversion was carried out in accordance with aviation safety regulations.

“The safety of passengers and crew is our highest priority,” the airline said, adding that hotel accommodation, meals, and refreshments were provided for affected travellers.

“EasyJet’s policies state that power banks are only permitted in cabin baggage and must not be stored in checked luggage.

The airline also prohibits passengers from using power banks to charge devices during flights.

The incident comes as airlines around the world continue tightening restrictions on portable chargers and lithium battery devices amid growing concerns over onboard fire hazards linked to overheating batteries.

Aviation

Delta At 20: Delta Airline Expands Travel Access Ahead 2026 World Cup

Published

3 months ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

Delta Air Lines has announced a range of travel solutions aimed at easing the journey for Ghanaian football fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the United States and North America.

The announcement was made during an event in Accra marking the airline’s 20th anniversary in Ghana, as company officials highlighted plans to work closely with local travel agencies to ensure that fans can access tickets and travel packages well in advance for the global tournament.

According to Delta’s Managing Director for International and Specialty Sales, Rob LeBel, the airline is introducing flexible options tailored to different travel needs.

These include individual ticket purchases, discounted group packages for parties of ten or more, and charter services for larger groups.

He explained that the collaboration with travel agencies would also focus on educating customers about the best ways to secure flights during the expected surge in demand.

To expand travel routes, Delta is leveraging its partnership with European carrier KLM, offering passengers alternative connections through Europe when direct routes are fully booked.

The airline believes the upcoming tournament presents a major opportunity to strengthen travel ties between Ghana and North America, particularly as interest among football fans continues to grow.