Jibodu: Domestic Terminal at Lagos Airport Processes 7, 000 Passengers Daily

Chinedu Eze

About 7000 passengers pass through the Murtala Muhammed Airport domestic terminal, known as MMA2, according to the acting Chief Operating Officer of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd, the operators of the terminal, Remi Jibodu.

Jibodu said that the terminal facilitates between 6,000 to 7,000 passengers daily, with Lagos airport serving as the busiest airport in Nigeria and the hub of many domestic airlines.

Jibodu made this known in his speech at a Media Parley to mark the 17th Anniversary of MMA2, also disclosing that the first airline that departed its aircraft from its runway, was Chanchangi Airlines Flight NCH 334, with aircraft registration number 5N BEU, which lifted 70 passengers and departed at exactly 17:15 on May 7, 2007.  Jibodu said this opened the skies for numerous departures from the terminal.

“Today, we currently have a total of 10 domestic airlines flying out of our terminal daily: Ibom Air, Valuejet, Air Peace, Arik Air, Aero Contractors, Dana Air, United Nigeria Airlines, Azman Air, Max Air, and Rano Air. We are immensely grateful for the partnerships we share with them.

“We play host to over 10, 000 guests every day at this terminal, including passengers, stakeholders, concessionaires, and many others who come here to shop, eat, and fly. This has strengthened our commitment to continuous improvement and significant development of our infrastructure,” Jibodu

The COO said one key achievement the terminal is immensely proud is the  success of its Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

He said this innovative approach has not only enhanced the operational efficiency of the airport and has also fostered collaboration with private entities, enabling the terminal to deliver world-class services to passengers and stakeholders.

According to him, the introduction of its state-of-the-art multi-story car park has revolutionized the parking experience for passengers, providing convenience and ease of access.

Additionally, the implementation of e-gates at the terminal’s central screening point has streamlined passenger facilitation, ensuring a seamless journey through our airport and enhancing our security architecture, he said.

Furthermore, he hinted that the terminal’s  focus on reliability and sustainability is exemplified by the establishment of uninterrupted power supply systems.

 This critical infrastructure, he said, ensures that the terminal operations remain resilient in the face of unforeseen challenges, safeguarding the travel experience for all our passengers.

“Recently, as an airport, we developed a flight disruption guideline after noticing a growing trend of passenger unrest at the slightest provocation. This often leads to property damage and abuse of staff and users of the airport. This unrest has been tremendously reduced to the barest minimum.

“Over the past 17 years, we have consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation, setting new standards for efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction.

“Our commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the numerous accolades and awards that adorn our walls. From being recognised as the ‘Best Airport Terminal of the Year 2023’ and ‘Best Airport Terminal Lounge’ to receiving the prestigious CSR award in recognition of our outstanding commitment to promoting safety and wellness, we have continuously raised the bar.

“This success cannot be achieved without the collective effort and dedication of our staff, partners, and stakeholders who have played an integral role in our success. Their unwavering commitment to excellence has been instrumental in shaping the legacy of this airport,” Jibodu said.

He said the MMA2 Training Centre stands as a testament to its commitment to nurturing the next generation of aviation professionals.

“Through our state-of-the-art facilities and hands-on training by aviation professionals, we are shaping the future leaders of the aviation industry. Our training centre is not just a place of learning.

“It is a symbol of empowerment, providing individuals with the tools they need to soar to new heights. Whether it is aspiring ground staff learning the intricacies of customer service or advanced aviation security courses, our training centre is a place where dreams take flight,” the COO said.

Speaking on plans ahead, she said some of the infrastructure they are putting in place include terminal facilities, implementation of improved technology to enhance security, sustainable initiatives to expand our cargo ecosystem, and the commencement of regional operations from our terminal.

He said the launch of its regional operations will provide a single hub for domestic airlines, boost their revenue through transit flights, drive economic growth by creating more jobs, and enhance connectivity.

This expansion, he said, will open new revenue opportunities, benefiting all stakeholders involved, adding that the economic ripple effects will be felt far and wide, from increased foot traffic in our terminal to enhanced commercial opportunities