Airport operators urged to diversify revenue streams

The Chief Operating Officer of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd. (BASL), Mr Remi Jibodu, has urged airport managers to explore revenue beyond aeronautical streams.

Jibodu made this call on Thursday in Lagos during the ongoing Airport Business Summit and Expo (ABSE) 2025.

our correspondent reports that BASL operates the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2), Lagos.

According to Jibodu, Nigerian airports rely excessively on aeronautical revenue, often neglecting vital non-aeronautical sources.

He noted that most airports in the country record revenue ratios of 70:30 or 90:10 in favour of aeronautical earnings.

Jibodu identified airport design and size as major barriers to improved revenue generation, stressing that many facilities are not scalable.

He said airports that cannot generate sufficient income become burdensome to airlines operating from them.

“When designing revenue bases, it must benefit all stakeholders, with economic activity as aviation facilitates trade,” Jibodu explained.

He urged airport managers to think deeply and prioritise non-aeronautical business models for financial sustainability.

“Munich Airport reportedly earns around 40 to 50 per cent of revenue from non-aeronautical sources,” he added.

Jibodu also stressed that ageing facilities require regular maintenance, and airport designs should enable future scalability.

“Scaling must be considered from inception. Without that, growth becomes difficult and costly in the long term,” he warned.

He added that some airports lack expansion space due to flawed initial designs, restricting their growth capacity.

“Poorly designed airports will struggle and incur higher costs during future upgrades,” Jibodu noted.

He recommended that airports account for future population growth and increased passenger traffic in their design plans.

On digitalisation, Jibodu described MMA2 as a terminal that has adopted digital systems to improve efficiency and passenger experience.

He said MMA2’s car park ensures smooth transition via a connecting bridge, simplifying the check-in process.

A BASL study found passengers take just three minutes to check-in, which prompted investment in digital solutions like the e-gate.

He noted that the e-gate not only improves efficiency but also generates essential data for security and future planning.

Jibodu added that aviobridges, unlike open bays and ramps, reduce boarding time by directly connecting passengers to aircraft.

He praised President Bola Tinubu and Aviation Minister, Mr Festus Keyamo, for ongoing sector improvements.

Our correspondent reports that the 2025 ABSE is with the theme: ‘Investment Opportunities in Airport Public-Private Partnership.’