User Satisfaction with Indoor Environmental Quality and Wayfinding in Selected Nigerian Airport Terminals

Abstract

Airport terminals are complex public environments where indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and wayfinding performance play important roles in shaping user experience and satisfaction. Despite growing investments in airport infrastructure across Nigeria, empirical evidence on users’ perceptions of environmental quality and navigational efficiency within airport terminals remains limited. This study evaluated user satisfaction with IEQ and wayfinding systems in selected Nigerian airport terminals using a quantitative post-occupancy evaluation approach. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire survey administered across seven purposively selected airport terminals comprising three international and four domestic airports. A total of 71 questionnaires were distributed, of which 52 valid responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed generally positive user perceptions of thermal comfort, indoor air quality, and lighting quality, with mean satisfaction scores of 4.10, 4.05, and 4.15 respectively. In contrast, acoustic comfort (3.10) and wayfinding performance (2.95) recorded comparatively lower satisfaction levels, indicating deficiencies in noise management, signage systems, spatial orientation, and navigational support. The results further suggest that while environmental comfort conditions within the terminals were generally satisfactory, challenges associated with wayfinding and acoustic quality negatively influenced overall user experience. The study contributes empirical evidence on user-centered performance evaluation of airport terminals in Nigeria and highlights the importance of integrating environmental quality and navigational efficiency within airport planning and management. The findings provide practical insights for improving passenger experience through enhanced signage systems, acoustic control measures, and user-oriented terminal design strategies.