The latest development signals renewed efforts by the terminal operator to expand its operations and position the facility to accommodate regional air travel, subject to the completion of necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals.
As part of the preparations, BASL Chairman, Dr Wale Babalakin, on Thursday inspected the company's facilities to assess its level of readiness for the commencement of regional flights in line with the terms of the settlement agreement reached with the Federal Government.
In a statement issued yesterday, the company's Head of Corporate Communications, Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi, said the inspection covered critical areas undergoing preparatory works, including the regional arrivals area, apron extension and access gate for staff and concessionaires.
During the visit, BASL's Acting Chief Operating Officer, Remi Jibodu, briefed the chairman on the progress of ongoing construction works and the operational arrangements being put in place ahead of the planned commencement of regional services.
Babalakin commended the team for the progress recorded and urged it to sustain the pace of work to ensure that the facilities were completed within the stipulated timeline.
He also emphasised the importance of close collaboration with relevant government agencies and aviation regulators, particularly the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), to ensure that all required inspections, assessments and approvals were obtained before regional operations began.
According to the statement, the BASL chairman further charged the team to prioritise finishing works, safety standards, operational preparedness and effective stakeholder coordination to ensure a smooth transition to regional flight services.
Responding, Jibodu reaffirmed the team's commitment to meeting the agreed timeline, noting that efforts would be intensified across all workstreams to complete outstanding construction and operational preparations.
He said: “We will strengthen engagement with relevant agencies and regulatory authorities to ensure that all required inspections and approvals were completed before the commencement of regional flights.”
Meanwhile, BASL's Acting Chief Executive Officer, Idunnu Oyebolu, said the company was pursuing preparations for regional operations alongside measures to accommodate the anticipated increase in passenger traffic during the year-end travel season.
Oyebolu explained that the company was focused on ensuring that its infrastructure, personnel and operational processes were adequately prepared to deliver safe, seamless and efficient passenger services.
She added that BASL remained committed to maintaining service standards while positioning MMA2 to accommodate anticipated developments in its operations.
The planned commencement of regional flights represents a significant development for MMA2 following the settlement of the concession dispute, with the completion of the necessary facilities and regulatory processes remaining critical to the rollout of the expanded services.