Lagos MMA2 airport steps up preparations for African regional flights after 18-year concession dispute is settled

Lagos Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) is accelerating preparations for regional flights within Africa. Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd. (BASL) chairman Wale Babalakin inspected the terminal's new regional arrivals area, an extension of the aircraft parking apron and a new access gate for staff and concession holders in Lagos on October 29, to assess preparatory works; the company said preparations gathered pace after a final settlement signed on October 20 with the federal government, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and construction company Stabilini Visinoni.

How the 18-year dispute was settled

The dispute over the MMA2 concession had lasted about 18 years. Under the settlement, Bi-Courtney gave up its claims against the government, including a court judgment of about ₦132 billion (about $96.7 million) plus interest, and an exclusivity clause that gave it control of domestic flights in Lagos; in return, it can expand the apron and handle regional flights within Africa, subject to the terminal's capacity, and the airports authority will now collect concession fees from the terminal for the first time in 20 years. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has said the company has 24 months to complete the works; the settlement also clears the way for delayed capital projects, most notably completing the MMA2 Hotel and Conference Centre.

First flight date and routes still not announced

The company has not said when the first regional flight will leave, which airlines will use the terminal, which routes they will fly, or how much it is spending on the new works. Acting chief executive officer Idunnu Oyebolu said preparations for regional operations are progressing alongside preparations for heavier passenger traffic over the year-end holiday season; acting chief operating officer Remi Jibodu, who led the inspection team, said the team would work with government agencies and regulators to complete all inspections and approvals before launch, and stressed keeping the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) fully engaged throughout. Regional flights have been on the company agenda for more than a decade: a ministerial committee on airport security certified MMA2 as fit for regional operations in 2016, and the company set aside gates 5 and 6 for such flights.

This report is compiled from Billionaires.Africa, QNC News and BusinessDay, October 29-30, 2026; the first flight date and routes remain subject to later announcements by the company and regulators.