The Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), managed by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), has recorded a successful and largely disruption-free operational performance during the year-end festive travel season, underscoring the terminal’s operational resilience, adaptability and effective stakeholder coordination at a period of heightened passenger traffic.
Throughout the peak end-of-year period, MMA2 worked in close partnership with airline operators, ground handling companies and other essential service providers to ensure seamless terminal operations.
The terminal said passenger safety, comfort and service continuity remained the cornerstone of its operational approach, even as travel demand increased significantly.
To support uninterrupted flight operations, MMA2 extended its operating hours beyond scheduled shutdown periods on multiple occasions in order to accommodate late-night movements and delayed flights.
These extensions were carried out in tandem with routine daily maintenance activities, which continued without compromise, ensuring that safety standards, infrastructure integrity and operational efficiency were maintained at all times.
In response to the seasonal spike in passenger numbers and aircraft movements, the terminal deployed additional operational and ground support resources in collaboration with its handling partners.
These measures facilitated efficient passenger processing, smoother baggage handling and reduced pressure on airline schedules, helping to minimise delays and disruptions during the festive rush.
Reflecting on the year-end operations and the outlook for the coming year, the Head of Aeronautics and Cargo Services and Acting Chief Operating Officer, Remi Jibodu, said the experience had provided valuable insights that would inform new operational initiatives in 2026.
“The festive peak period reinforced the need for structured coordination among all stakeholders operating within the terminal,” Jibodu said. “As part of our forward planning, MMA2 will introduce a structured slot system in 2026 to better balance demand with available terminal capacity.”
He noted that the slot management framework is expected to improve the coordination of aircraft movements, reduce congestion during peak periods, enhance on-time performance for airline partners and support more effective planning by ground handling companies.
According to him, the initiative is a key component of MMA2’s wider operational optimisation strategy and aligns the terminal with global best practices in apron and airside management.
Beyond its core aeronautical functions, MMA2 also recorded notable progress in its non-aeronautical services, contributing to an improved passenger experience.
Commenting on this, the Head, Space and Premises Management and Acting Chief Operating Officer, Kola Bamigboye, said the terminal had maintained a strong focus on innovation and customer satisfaction over the past year.
“The year under review saw consistent improvements across our non-aeronautical services, driven by innovation and a deliberate focus on customer experience,” Bamigboye said. “From retail operations and concession management to enhanced passenger amenities, our goal has been to provide a more convenient and comfortable terminal environment.”
He added that MMA2 plans to build on these achievements in 2026 by sustaining innovation and further enhancing the overall customer journey. Security and passenger support services also recorded improvements during the festive period.
The terminal’s upgraded CCTV surveillance system played a critical role in monitoring activities and facilitating the prompt recovery of lost or misplaced items, including personal belongings and travel documents. These were successfully returned to their owners, earning commendations from passengers who praised the terminal’s efficiency and professionalism.
To further support passengers during the busy season, MMA2 maintained an active customer experience email channel throughout the festive period.
The channel enabled prompt acknowledgement, investigation and resolution of reported issues, contributing to quicker response times and improved passenger confidence.
As the new year unfolds, MMA2 said it remains focused on consolidating the gains achieved during the festive period while strengthening collaboration with airlines, ground handlers, regulators and other stakeholders across the aviation value chain.
With a continued emphasis on operational efficiency, customer satisfaction and stakeholder engagement, MMA2 is positioning itself for a more structured and efficient operational year in 2026, reaffirming its role as a dependable aviation hub and a benchmark for private-sector-led airport terminal management in Nigeria.
About The Author
