MMA2 Airport Operator Implements Parking Fee Hike to Address Congestion
Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, the operator of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2) in Lagos, has announced a significant increase in parking tariffs at its multi-storey car park facility. The company has clarified that this adjustment is primarily aimed at addressing severe congestion issues and discouraging long-term parking that has been affecting passenger access.
Operational Challenges Drive Tariff Adjustment
According to a statement released by Mrs. Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi, Head of Corporate Communications for Bi-Courtney Aviation Services, the decision to revise parking rates was driven by operational concerns rather than revenue generation motives. The company emphasized that the MMA2 facility has consistently maintained high safety and security standards through advanced monitoring systems and proactive management practices.
However, the growing prevalence of vehicles parked for extended periods—ranging from several days to months—has created substantial operational and security challenges within the car park infrastructure. This prolonged parking phenomenon has significantly reduced available space for legitimate airport users, including passengers and visitors requiring short-term parking solutions.
Passenger Experience Impacted by Parking Shortages
The congestion resulting from long-stay vehicles has reportedly led to considerable delays for passengers attempting to access the airport facility. Some travelers have spent over thirty minutes searching for available parking spaces, creating stressful situations that have contributed to missed flights and disrupted travel schedules.
The spokesperson noted that the parking shortage has increased pressure around terminal drop-off and pick-up zones, negatively affecting overall traffic flow and passenger experience at one of Nigeria's busiest domestic airport terminals.
Revised Parking Tariff Structure
Bi-Courtney Aviation Services has introduced a new tariff structure designed to improve parking turnover and restore order within the facility. The company emphasized that the adjustment specifically targets long-term parking while ensuring more efficient utilization of available space for all airport users.
The new parking rates include:
- Saloon cars: N3,500 for the first hour (increased from N2,500) and N2,500 for each additional hour
- SUVs: N4,000 for the first hour (up from N3,500) with N2,500 for subsequent hours
- Buses: N20,000 parking fee
- Overnight parking: N50,000 charge
- Lost ticket fee: N25,000 penalty
Broader Aviation Security Developments
This parking fee adjustment comes alongside other significant developments in Nigeria's aviation sector. The federal government, through Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, has recently approved the deployment of a contactless biometric passenger verification system known as VPASS across domestic airports.
The VPASS system is designed to enhance aviation security by eliminating inconsistencies in passenger data and preventing unauthorized boarding. Implementation will involve infrastructure deployment and public sensitization programs to ensure proper identification of all domestic flight passengers.
Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited operates the MMA2 terminal, which serves as a major hub for domestic air travel in Nigeria's commercial capital. The company has reiterated its commitment to maintaining security standards while addressing operational challenges that affect passenger convenience and airport efficiency.
