FAAN clears Bolt to resume airport operations after passenger backlash

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has cleared Bolt to resume operations at airports it manages, following a temporary disruption of e-hailing services that led to passenger complaints about rising transportation costs and limited choices.

FAAN announced that it has reached an “agreeable operational framework” with Bolt after discussions between the two parties, allowing the ride-hailing company to return to the airports.

The authority also issued an apology to passengers for the inconvenience caused by the disruption and reaffirmed that travellers are free to choose from the available transportation options.

This development follows FAAN’s earlier directive that affected the commercial operations of e-hailing services at its airports. The directive faced criticism from passengers who expressed concerns about the availability and affordability of airport transportation, especially after traditional e-hailing pick-ups were interrupted.

FAAN has emphasised that its actions were not intended to compete with private ride-hailing companies or to generate revenue from airport transport. The authority previously stated that it is working on creating a framework to ensure safety, security, accountability, and effective management of commercial pick-up activities within airport premises.

Additionally, FAAN clarified that the Airport Car Hire Rank Management System (ACHRAMS) was developed as a management system for airport access and concessions, rather than as a method to compete with ride-hailing services like Bolt and Uber.

Bolt becomes first major operator to get clearance

With the recent agreement, Bolt has become the first major e-hailing service to be officially confirmed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) as having resolved outstanding operational issues and resumed its services at the airport. This development marks a significant step forward in restoring reliable transportation options for travellers.

FAAN has indicated that discussions with other e-hailing operators are still in progress, and these talks are expected to wrap up in the coming days. The authority is committed to ensuring that passengers have access to transportation that is not only safe and secure but also convenient.

By bringing commercial transport activities under a regulated framework, FAAN aims to enhance its ability to monitor and manage these services effectively.

The restoration of Bolt’s operations is anticipated to provide a much-needed alternative for passengers who depend on app-based transport services to travel to and from Nigerian airports. This follows recent disruptions and growing public complaints about the lack of reliable transport options. Overall, this agreement is a positive development for both travellers and the transportation ecosystem at the airports.

Also read: Commuters groan over ₦30k airport taxi fares as FAAN’s new system draws backlash