The Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two, Lagos, closed the 2025 festive travel season with stable and efficient operations and is now preparing for 2026 with the introduction of a structured slot system to strengthen operational predictability. Operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, the terminal said the slot system will be central to aligning demand with available capacity, improving aircraft movement coordination, and sustaining service quality during peak travel periods.
Following an internal review of year-end operations, the terminal operator highlighted six ways the adopted slot system would reshape operations in 2026. These include balancing terminal demand with capacity, improving aircraft movement coordination, reducing congestion across passenger processing areas, enhancing on-time performance for airline partners, supporting better planning by ground handling companies, and enabling more even passenger flow to strengthen customer experience and security responsiveness.
A statement by the Head of Corporate Communications, Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi, explained that MMA2 extended operating hours beyond scheduled shutdown periods on several occasions to accommodate late-night and delayed flights.
During the high-traffic festive period, MMA2 recorded increased passenger numbers and aircraft movements typical of the season. However, the terminal maintained operational stability through close collaboration with airlines, ground handlers, and critical service providers. Management said the experience reinforced the need for a predictable scheduling framework, with the slot system identified as the most effective tool to prevent aircraft clustering and operational bottlenecks.
According to the terminal operator, the first impact of the slot system will be improved balance between demand and terminal capacity. By allocating structured arrival and departure windows, MMA2 expects to prevent peak-hour saturation that often strains infrastructure, manpower, and passenger processing systems. This approach, the operator said, allows the terminal to operate within defined limits while maintaining safety and efficiency.
Closely linked to this is improved aircraft movement coordination. The slot system will provide clearer sequencing of arrivals and departures, particularly on the apron, reducing conflicts and minimising delays associated with last-minute adjustments. MMA2 noted that improved coordination will also support smoother interactions between airlines, airside teams, and ground handling companies.
A third operational benefit identified is reduced congestion across the terminal. During peak travel windows, passenger processing areas often experience pressure from overlapping flight schedules. Management said the slot system will help distribute traffic more evenly, easing congestion at check-in, security screening, and boarding gates, while improving passenger comfort.
Speaking on the operational review, Remi Jibodu, Head of Aeronautics and Cargo Services and Acting Chief Operating Officer, said insights from the festive period directly informed the decision to deploy the slot system. He explained that structured slot allocation will enhance on-time performance for airline partners by reducing knock-on delays caused by apron congestion and resource constraints.
Jibodu added that ground handling companies will also benefit significantly from the slot system, as clearer schedules allow for better planning of staffing, equipment deployment, and turnaround activities. He noted that predictable slot windows enable handlers to operate more efficiently, improving service reliability across the terminal.
Beyond aeronautical efficiency, MMA2 identified improved passenger flow as the sixth key outcome of the slot system. By smoothing traffic peaks, the terminal expects stronger performance across non-aeronautical services and security operations, as teams can respond more effectively without the strain of sudden surges.
Commenting on commercial performance, Kola Bamigboye, Head of Space and Premises Management and Acting Chief Operating Officer, said the year under review recorded strong progress across retail, concessions, and passenger amenities. He explained that steadier passenger movement supported by the slot system will further enhance planning for customer-facing services in 2026.
Security and passenger-support systems also recorded notable gains during the festive season. MMA2’s upgraded CCTV surveillance infrastructure enabled real-time monitoring of terminal activities and supported the prompt recovery of lost items, including travel documents and personal belongings. These items were successfully returned to their owners, attracting positive feedback from passengers.
To support passengers during the busy period, the terminal maintained an active customer experience email channel, ensuring prompt acknowledgement and resolution of reported issues. Management said operational predictability driven by the slot system will further strengthen response efficiency during peak periods.
As operations normalise in the new year, MMA2 said it remains focused on consolidating gains recorded during the festive season while strengthening collaboration with airlines, ground handlers, and regulators. The terminal continues to engage with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to ensure regulatory alignment as the slot system is introduced.
With the planned deployment of the slot system in 2026, MMA2 said it is reinforcing its position as a leading example of private-sector-led airport terminal management in Nigeria, anchored on efficiency, coordination, and consistent passenger experience.
