LAGOS — As the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2) marks nearly 19 years of private operation, its management has identified the three “powerhouse” routes driving Nigeria’s domestic aviation.
In an exclusive interview, Remi Jibodu, the Acting Chief Operating Officer of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), revealed that Lagos–Abuja, Asaba, and Port Harcourt remain the most high-traffic destinations from the terminal.
The data underscores MMA2’s role as the premier gateway for Nigerian business and political travel, handling approximately 75% of all domestic flights originating from Lagos.
The Busy Three: Leading Domestic Routes
With an average of 60 to 65 daily flight departures, traffic at MMA2 is concentrated around the nation’s political and industrial nerve centers.
| Route | Primary Driver | Market Position |
| Lagos – Abuja | Political & Business Hub | #1 Overall |
| Lagos – Asaba | Regional Commercial Connection | Significant Growth |
| Lagos – Port Harcourt | Energy & Industrial Logistics | Consistent High Demand |
“Abuja clearly leads due to its position as the nation’s capital,” Jibodu noted, adding that cargo trends largely mirror these passenger routes, with the terminal processing between 30 to 40 tons of domestic cargo daily.
Traffic by the Numbers: Seasonal Surges
While annual totals fluctuate, the daily “footfall” at MMA2 provides a snapshot of the industry’s massive scale:
- Peak Season (December): Averaging 15,000+ passengers per day.
- Off-Peak (March/April): Averaging 10,000 passengers per day.
- Cargo Operations: Most cargo is “belly cargo” (carried in the hold of passenger planes), meaning capacity varies based on seat occupancy.
Technology: The Secret to Managing 65 Daily Flights
To prevent the chaos often associated with high-volume travel, BASL relies on a suite of automated systems first introduced in 2013:
- RESA & CUPPS Systems: These platforms allow multiple airlines to share check-in counters, optimizing space and reducing queues.
- Automated E-Gates: Used at screening and access control points to speed up passenger verification and enhance security.
- Flexible Boarding: The terminal utilizes both traditional boarding bridges (“fingers”) and dedicated shuttle vehicles for remote parking bays to accommodate different aircraft types simultaneously.
The 19-Year Legacy: A Model for Africa?
Since its opening in 2007, MMA2 has served as Nigeria’s flagship case study for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in aviation. The success of the terminal has attracted attention from across the continent, with delegations from Sierra Leone and other West African nations visiting to study the Bi-Courtney model.
Looking toward 2030, BASL’s strategy focuses on “deliberate and strategic” expansion.
Before moving into other West African markets, the firm is prioritizing the full optimization of MMA2, including deeper integration with cargo logistics and supporting airline partners in expanding their frequency on the core Abuja and Port Harcourt routes.
Lagos-Abuja-Asaba-PHC
MMA2’s dominance of the Lagos-Abuja-Asaba-PHC corridor is no accident. By combining specialized maintenance departments with advanced passenger processing tech, Bi-Courtney has built a terminal that handles 15,000 daily passengers with private-sector efficiency.
As the Nigerian economy enters its 2026 rebound phase, the “Abuja Shuttle” will likely continue to be the primary engine of the terminal’s profitability.
