China Visit: MD, NAMA Tours Airport and Terminal Operations Centers

NAMA MD/CE Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar Tours Airport and Terminal Operations Centers at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

As part of his official engagement in the People’s Republic of China, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar, FNSE, FCIA, MCOREN, NPOM (Danmajen Gwandu / Gamjin Kabi), undertook a strategic operational tour of Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, focusing on the Airport Operations Center (AOC) and the Terminal Operations Center (TOC).

The visit formed part of a high-level delegation led by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Yakubu Adam Kofarmata. Other members of the delegation included the Director-General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Captain Alex Badeh Jr.; the Registrar of the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU); the Director of Operations, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Captain Mahmud; Captain Bunmi; and the Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Aviation, Isah Osagie.

Located in western Shanghai, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport serves as a major domestic aviation hub and a critical component of the city’s integrated transport ecosystem. The airport is closely linked with high-speed rail, metro services, and road networks, enabling efficient passenger movement and operational coordination within one of China’s busiest urban regions.

During the tour, Engr. Farouk and members of the delegation were briefed on the functions and capabilities of the Airport Operations Center (AOC) and Terminal Operations Center (TOC), which serve as the nerve centers for real-time coordination of airside and terminal activities. The centers integrate flight operations, airside management, passenger processing, safety oversight, and emergency response, ensuring seamless collaboration among airlines, air traffic services, airport operators, and security agencies.

The engagement provided valuable insights into how advanced monitoring systems, data-driven decision-making tools, and centralized coordination enhance operational efficiency, minimize disruptions, and improve passenger experience at high-capacity airports. Emphasis was placed on proactive management of peak traffic periods, rapid incident response, and the use of technology to maintain high safety and service standards.

Engr. Farouk’s visit aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the reform-focused vision of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN. The engagement underscores NAMA’s commitment to continuous improvement and its ongoing efforts to modernize Nigeria’s air navigation and airport operations systems, including the planned development of a Centralized Air Traffic Management (ATM) Center at NAMA’s Corporate Headquarters. 

Overall, the tour of Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport’s AOC and TOC provided practical exposure to world-class airport operations management. It reinforced the value of global best practices, inter-agency collaboration, and integrated operational frameworks in enhancing safety, efficiency, and service delivery—key priorities as Nigeria continues to strengthen and reposition its aviation sector.

*Danmajen Gwandu Media Team*