Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2), has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering an inclusive and seamless passenger experience through specialised autism awareness and support training for its customer-facing staff.
The training, facilitated by Cradle Lounge Special Needs Initiative and led by Solape Azazi, a WHO Caregiver Skills Training (CST) Master Trainer, was designed to equip frontline airport personnel with the knowledge, sensitivity, and practical skills required to effectively support passengers on the autism spectrum and their families.
The session focused on building a foundational understanding of autism, identifying signs of sensory overload or distress, applying effective communication strategies, and fostering teamwork rooted in compassion, dignity, and respect for every traveller.
Speaking on the initiative, the Ag. Chief Operating Officer and Head of Space & Premises Management, Kola Bamigboye, stated that the programme aligns with BASL’s vision of making MMA2 a truly inclusive airport terminal where every passenger regardless of ability can travel with comfort and confidence.
“Air travel can be particularly overwhelming for individuals on the autism spectrum due to noise, crowds, and multiple sensory triggers within the airport environment. By empowering our customer-facing teams with the right training, we are reinforcing our commitment to ensuring that all passengers enjoy a seamless and supportive experience”, he said.
Also highlighting the importance of the initiative, the Head of Human Resources and Administration, Feyikemi Fadeyibi, underscored the role of workforce development in driving service excellence.
“At Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, we recognise that our people are at the heart of the passenger experience. Continuous training and capacity building are essential to ensure our workforce is not only professionally competent but also empathetic and responsive to the diverse needs of the travelling public.
“Customer care is one of our core values, and our culture driven by a strong sense of family compels us to treat every passenger with dignity, patience, and understanding. This Autism Sensitisation Training strengthens our culture of inclusion and equips our staff with the confidence and skills to provide respectful, informed, and compassionate support”.
In her remarks, Azazi emphasised the significance of the initiative, noting that autism does not have a visible physical marker, making awareness and understanding critical in public spaces such as airports.
“The Autism Sensitisation Training taking place today is crucial for creating a supportive environment that ensures understanding and dignity for every traveller with autism. Unlike some neurodevelopmental conditions, autism does not present with physical markers.
“Most individuals on the spectrum are not easily identified unless certain behaviours indicate sensory overload or discomfort. The objectives of this training are to deepen understanding of autism fundamentals, identify signs of distress, demonstrate effective communication, and promote teamwork that prioritises compassion and understanding”, she explained.
The interactive session provided participants with practical tools for empathy-driven engagement, de-escalation techniques, and effective collaboration with families and caregivers. It also reinforced a broader culture of awareness and inclusion across the airport community.
This initiative forms part of BASL’s ongoing drive to enhance operational standards and passenger satisfaction at MMA2, positioning the terminal as a leader in inclusive and accessible service delivery within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
BASL remains committed to setting new benchmarks in customer service excellence, accessibility, and innovation”, the Head, Corporate Communications BASL (MMA2), Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi, said.