Airline Policy Choices and Operational Efficiency at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between airline policy choices and operational efficiency at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, with the aim of identifying strategies to enhance performance and align policy objectives with practical implementation. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative data from surveys and secondary sources with qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews and case studies. Statistical analyses, including correlation, regression modelling, and ANOVA, reveal significant positive relationships between policy compliance scores and key performance indicators such as flight punctuality, passenger throughput, baggage handling times, and cost per passenger. The findings underscore the critical role of regulatory frameworks in driving operational efficiency while highlighting systemic challenges, including infrastructural deficits, technological obsolescence, and resource constraints. Comparative analysis with global airports demonstrates the transformative potential of digital innovation, stakeholder collaboration, and capacity building in overcoming these barriers. Based on the results, the study proposes actionable recommendations for policymakers, including the adoption of advanced technologies, modernization of infrastructure, and enforcement of unified regulatory standards. These measures are essential for addressing localized inefficiencies and positioning NAIA as a competitive aviation hub within the African region.