Dr. Emmanuel Meribole

Airports are the heart beat of the aviation ecosystem. They serve as hubs of economic activity, connecting cities, regions, and countries, while facilitating the movement of goods and people around the world.

Similarly the success of airlines and other aviation businesses is inextricably linked to the strength and viability of the airports they rely on.

These  views are expressed by  Dr.Emmanuel Maribole,Permanent Secretary,Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Deployment in his keynote address  at the 9th Airport Business Summit and Expo held in Lagos with the Theme: “Airport Viability is Key to Successful Aviation Business Ambition”

According to him,without thriving airports, there can be no thriving aviation industry. Airport viability, therefore, is not just a priority  it is a necessity for any ambitious aviation business.

Airport viability,in his words can be defined as the ability of airports to operate sustainably, profitably, and efficiently while delivering high-quality services to passengers and stakeholders.

He said that on the 10th of July, 2024, The Managing Director of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) was quoted by Channels Television as saying that only three airports out of the twenty two airports in Nigeria managed by FAAN are profitable.

However,he noted, looking at all the indices of Viability, it is probably Lagos Airport that is viable.

To achieve viability,he continued, a number of critical factors must be addressed such as:

Sustainable Financial Models: Airports must be financially self-sufficient, with diverse revenue streams that can weather fluctuations in passenger traffic and external shocks.

This includes maximizing revenue from non-aeronautical sources such as retail, real estate, and parking, as well as smart investments in infrastructure that yield long-term returns.

He emphasised operational efficiency as paramount in ensuring airports meet growing demand while minimizing costs. Leveraging technology and innovation in areas such as passenger processing, air traffic control, and ground handling can significantly enhance efficiency and service delivery.

Airports that invest in digitization and automation will be better positioned to handle future challenges and capitalize on new opportunities,he added

For airports to be viable,he continued, they must have the infrastructure to support current and future demand. This includes not only runways and terminals but also integrated transportation systems that connect airports to surrounding areas.

“ It is essential to prioritize infrastructure development that enhances capacity, reduces bottlenecks, and improves the overall passenger experience.”

He is of the opinion that today’s airports must also be environmentally sustainable. This is not only a matter of regulatory compliance but also a key component of long-term viability.

Dr. Meribole posited that Airports that proactively invest in sustainable practices such as carbon-neutral operations, renewable energy sources, and waste reduction will not only reduce their environmental impact but also strengthen their competitive positioning in a world that increasingly values sustainability.

He reasoned that Governments alone cannot shoulder the burden of airport development and expansion. Public-private partnerships offer a viable solution to financing infrastructure projects and modernizing airport facilities.

“ Successful Public Private Participations (PPPs) ensure that private investment is harnessed to improve services while allowing governments to focus on regulation and oversight.”

He noted that the viability of an airport is also closely tied to its ability to meet the evolving needs of passengers. Airports that prioritize a seamless and enjoyable passenger experience, from efficient security checks to high-quality amenities, will attract more traffic and build stronger brand loyalty.

Creating a Collaborative Aviation Ecosystem-to achieve airport viability, collaboration across the aviation ecosystem,according to him, is essential.

“ Governments, airport authorities, airlines, regulators, and private sector investors must work together to align strategies and priorities.”

“ The role of the government, in particular, is to create an enabling environment that encourages innovation, competition, and investment in the sector.”

These include adopting policies that incentivize infrastructure development, streamlining regulatory processes, and ensuring airports have access to the financing and resources they need to thrive.

“Beyond their role in supporting aviation businesses, airports are vital drivers of national and regional economic development. Airports generate jobs, attract foreign investment, and contribute to tourism, trade, and business activities. For countries and regions looking to accelerate their economic growth, airports are key assets that must be nurtured and developed.”

By focusing on airport viability,Meribole said we can unlock broader economic benefits, boost international competitiveness, and enhance connectivity in ways that go beyond the aviation industry.

 In this sense, airport viability is not just an aviation issue; it is a national economic imperative.

“I am happy to inform that the five focus areas of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration is geared towards making our airports viable.”

“ In line with these focus areas, we are working towards ensuring sustainable financial models for our airports, embracing public private partnerships; infrastructural development, Aviation human capital development as well as embracing eco-friendly practicies and policies, reducing carbon footprint, and integrating renewable energy sources.”

In addition,he said the present administration is fostering partnerships, collaborations among industry stakeholders, government authorities, and local communities.

Speaking further, he said airport viability is indispensable in the pursuit of a successful aviation business ambition saying that by recognising its significance and collectively committing to its enhancement, we can steer the sector towards greater prosperity, resilience, and excellence.

He charged all delegates and experts  present to work towards coming up with actionable plans that will usher Nigeria into the next phase of its Aviation growth.

“Without strong, efficient, and sustainable airports, the aviation industry will struggle to reach its full potential. But with strategic investments, innovative approaches, and collaborative efforts, we can ensure that airports continue to be dynamic engines of growth and opportunity for the entire aviation ecosystem.”

“As we look to the future, let us work together to build airports that are not only viable but also resilient, sustainable, and equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.I am optimistic that this conference would be the beginning of new partnerships, bold ideas, and a shared vision for the future of aviation.”