Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operator of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) in Lagos, has rolled out a comprehensive operational strategy combining schedule coordination, process digitisation, and inter-agency collaboration to absorb a surge in domestic air travel.
The developments were highlighted during the ACI Africa Regional Conference and Exhibition 2026 in Abuja, themed ‘Next-Gen Airports: Driving Performance and Resilience.’
Rising Traffic Signals Market Shift
Nigeria’s air transport market is expanding rapidly, placing unprecedented pressure on existing terminal facilities.
Figures presented by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) at the conference show that Nigeria recorded more than 18.8 million domestic and international passengers in 2025, representing an 11.9 percent year-on-year growth.
Furthermore, data from global aviation analytics firm OAG indicates that scheduled airline capacity in Nigeria reached approximately 1.19 million seats in September 2026-a 37.4 percent increase over the same period in 2025.
Highlighting the operational reality facing terminal operators, BASL noted in a statement signed by its Head of Corporate Communications:
‘For airport operators, this level of growth means that capacity must be viewed beyond the physical size of a terminal. Infrastructure, airline scheduling, security deployment, road access, passenger-processing systems, technology and coordination among stakeholders must evolve together.’
A key challenge facing MMA2 is not a total lack of terminal space, but rather the heavy concentration of airline departures within narrow timeframes-specifically during the early morning hours.
‘At MMA2, a significant proportion of airline schedules is concentrated within the early peak period, placing simultaneous pressure on multiple components of the passenger journey. However, the terminal has sufficient available capacity outside this highly concentrated window,’ BASL explained.
To address this imbalance, the operator is engaging domestic airlines on adopting a Level 2 schedule-coordination and slot-management system to smooth out flight departures throughout the day.
‘BASL is therefore engaging with airlines to adopt a Level 2 schedule-coordination/slot system to better distribute demand across available capacity. Such an approach requires close collaboration between the airport and airlines. The challenge is to ensure that any adjustment to flight schedules takes into consideration the commercial realities of airline operations, including passenger demand and potential revenue implications.’
Discussions remain ongoing with carriers to create workable schedule options that optimise terminal infrastructure while minimising delays for travellers.
Beyond schedule management, BASL emphasised that passenger flow must be addressed holistically across all touchpoints, starting before passengers even enter the building.
‘Security screening is another important component of the passenger journey. BASL has been engaging with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on the deployment of adequate Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel to effectively man the available screening infrastructure during peak periods. FAAN has acknowledged the operational challenge and is already working towards solutions.’
Recognising that landside vehicular traffic often causes initial passenger delays, BASL has also taken steps outside the terminal perimeter:
‘BASL has also identified road traffic and access into the airport environment as another area requiring attention. Engagements have consequently been held with the Police Airport Command, Air Force authorities and other relevant security stakeholders to facilitate smoother movement of traffic into the airport and minimise delays before passengers reach the terminal.’
To maximise operational throughput, BASL is turning toward technology-enabled solutions and streamlined processing methods.
Plans are currently underway to roll out a dedicated ‘No-Bag Zone’ to accelerate check-in and security for light travellers, while key processing points are being further digitised:
‘BASL is currently in discussions with its service partners to further scale digitisation of key processes, with the objective of improving operational efficiency and reducing pressure on physical facilities. Plans are also underway for the introduction of a No-Bag Zone, which will provide passengers travelling without checked baggage with a more streamlined check-in experience.’
: SAHCO, BASL align strategies ahead of MMA2 regional expansion
In addition, MMA2 is integrating Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) principles to ensure real-time data sharing across airlines, ground handling companies, and regulatory agencies:
‘The terminal is also looking towards the application of Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) principles, which promote the sharing of operational information and greater coordination among airport stakeholders. The objective is to improve predictability, efficiency and decision-making across the airport ecosystem.’
As African aviation continues its post-expansion trajectory, BASL underscored that sustainable airport operations will increasingly rely on smart coordination rather than continuous physical expansion alone.
‘The developments at MMA2 reflect a wider reality facing the aviation industry: passenger growth is occurring at a pace that requires airport systems and processes to evolve continuously… As passenger numbers and airline operations continue to increase, the future of airport efficiency will increasingly depend on capacity, coordination, technology and collaboration working together.’
‘The focus, therefore, is not simply on managing today’s passenger traffic, but on building a more coordinated, technology-enabled and resilient airport operation capable of supporting the continued growth of Nigeria’s aviation sector.’