The management of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), has commenced a series of strategic engagement sessions with airline partners aimed at enhancing passenger experience and aligning operational plans in anticipation of increased passenger traffic.
The engagement series formally began last week with courtesy visits by the BASL management team to the corporate offices of United Nigeria Airlines, Aero Contractors and ValueJet Airlines. During the visits, BASL held extensive executive-level discussions with the Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers of the airlines, focusing on operational performance during the December peak travel period and the implications for future growth.
The sessions provided a platform for open and candid dialogue. United Nigeria Airlines outlined its fleet expansion plans for 2026 and stressed the need for terminal capacity, infrastructure upgrades and operational coordination to keep pace with airline growth. Aero Contractors and ValueJet Airlines raised similar concerns, emphasizing effective crowd management and streamlined passenger processes as traffic volumes continue to rise.
Responding to the concerns, BASL management, led by Remi Jibodu, Acting Chief Operating Officer and Head of Aeronautical and Cargo Services, noted that passenger demand patterns have evolved significantly over nearly two decades of MMA2 operations.
He outlined a number of immediate and medium-term measures aimed at stabilizing operations and improving the overall passenger experience.
Immediate steps include the deployment of mobile check-in counters to increase processing capacity during peak periods, strengthened crowd control measures, and the addition of manpower across security and baggage handling operations.
Medium-term initiatives discussed include the introduction of an IATA-aligned slot coordination system to balance demand with terminal and airside capacity, the planned reintroduction of self-check-in kiosks, apron decongestion measures, improved aircraft parking discipline, and the possible introduction of a progressive fee structure to discourage prolonged aircraft parking on the apron. BASL also plans to upgrade baggage handling systems to ensure smoother and more efficient operations.
Jibodu used the engagement to seek airline collaboration and support for the proposed slot guidelines, assuring stakeholders that the framework would be transparent, aligned with airlines’ revenue objectives and focused on delivering an excellent passenger experience.
The discussions also addressed the need for improved data transparency and coordinated communication, including plans to develop a digital platform that will provide airlines and stakeholders with accurate, real-time operational updates.
In addition, BASL and the airlines discussed strengthening collaboration with traffic management agencies such as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to better manage road traffic during periods of high passenger influx.
BASL reaffirmed its commitment to continuous engagement with airline partners, regulators and other stakeholders to deliver safe, efficient and passenger-focused operations at MMA2 while supporting sustainable growth within the terminal environment.
