# FAAN Clarifies Strict Safety Rules for Airport Tarmac Access Aviation authorities warn that unauthorized tarmac movement poses severe risks to passenger safety. - **Source:** [Premium Times Nigeria](https://www.premiumtimesng.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/90962caa-900c-46af-8516-013142f671a3 ## Operational Safety Mandates The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria recently clarified why passengers cannot walk freely on airport tarmacs. Managing Director Olubunmi Onabanjo-Kuku emphasized that the tarmac is an active operational zone, not a public walkway. Unauthorized access poses significant risks to both travelers and ground personnel, potentially compromising overall flight safety and security protocols. ## Engine Suction Hazards Aircraft engines generate powerful airflow and suction capable of pulling loose objects or individuals into intakes. FAAN warned that being near an operating engine can cause severe physical injury. Furthermore, foreign objects ingested into engines can cause catastrophic mechanical damage, necessitating strict adherence to safety distances from all aircraft during operations. ## Ground Vehicle Risks The tarmac accommodates various moving equipment, including baggage loaders, fuel trucks, and pushback tractors. These vehicles operate under coordinated procedures but often have significant blind spots for drivers. Unrestricted movement through these areas increases the risk of collisions, making it essential for passengers to remain within designated, supervised boarding paths. ## Controlled Boarding Procedures FAAN clarified that walking on the tarmac is not entirely prohibited, provided it occurs under controlled conditions. At airports where passengers must walk between terminals and aircraft, movement is permitted only when supervised by authorized personnel. These established procedures ensure that every passenger is guided safely to their flight without entering restricted zones. ## Regulatory Framework Context Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, specifically Part 17, mandate strict access controls for airside areas. These rules define the movement area as restricted, accessible only to screened passengers with valid boarding passes and authorized staff. The regulations are designed to protect critical aviation infrastructure and prevent unauthorized incursions that could disrupt airport operations. ## Recent Security Incidents Public concern regarding tarmac access grew after footage showed the wife of former Senator Ishaku Abbo accompanying him to an aircraft at Yola Airport. These incidents, occurring in May and June, prompted an investigation by the Minister of Aviation into security procedures. The reports raised questions about whether prominent individuals bypass standard safety protocols. ## Official Investigation Response Following the widely publicized incidents at Yola Airport, Minister Festus Keyamo ordered a formal investigation into security enforcement. Officials were required to explain how unauthorized individuals gained access to restricted aprons. This administrative action highlights the government's intent to ensure that safety rules are applied consistently to all airport users without exception. ## Commitment to Safety FAAN maintains that every access restriction serves a vital purpose in protecting the aviation ecosystem. By reinforcing these rules, the authority aims to prevent future security breaches and operational hazards. Ultimately, airport safety is presented as a collective responsibility, requiring strict compliance from passengers and staff to maintain secure, efficient flight operations. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/business-news/924460-why-passengers-cannot-walk-freely-on-airport-tarmac-faans-ceo.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._