Electrical Spark Disrupts Lagos Airport Operations for Second Time in Five Weeks
Operations at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos were temporarily disrupted today following an electrical spark at the airport's temporary Terminal Three (T3). The incident, which resulted in smoke emission, marks the second occurrence of its kind within the last five weeks.
Details of the Latest Incident
According to a statement from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the electrical spark occurred at approximately 14:05 in one of the operational offices at the temporary terminal. The spark triggered smoke emission, prompting immediate action from airport authorities.
FAAN reported that emergency response teams from the Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Services (ARFFS) were swiftly deployed to the scene. Their prompt intervention helped contain the situation before it could escalate further, preventing any potential fire outbreak.
Impact on Airport Operations
The incident necessitated operational adjustments at the busy international airport. All flights scheduled to use Terminal 3 were diverted to Terminal 2, causing temporary disruptions to passenger movements and flight schedules.
Passengers were advised to take note of the terminal change and adjust their travel plans accordingly. Airport authorities worked to minimize inconvenience while ensuring safety remained the top priority.
Historical Context: Previous Electrical Incident
This latest electrical fault comes barely five weeks after a more severe incident at the same airport. On February 23, 2026, an electrical fault at the Old International Terminal One led to a massive fire outbreak that caused significant damage.
The previous incident resulted in:
- Destruction of assets and properties
- Damage to concessionaire facilities
- Impact on sister agencies of FAAN
Current Response and Maintenance Efforts
FAAN has confirmed that electrical maintenance is currently ongoing at Terminal 3 to ensure all systems are functioning optimally. The authority stated, "Electrical maintenance is currently ongoing to ensure that all electrical systems are functioning optimally ahead of the Terminal's reopening."
The maintenance work aims to address any underlying electrical issues and prevent future occurrences. Airport authorities are conducting thorough inspections of electrical systems across terminal facilities.
Safety Measures and Future Precautions
The back-to-back electrical incidents at one of Nigeria's busiest airports have raised concerns about electrical infrastructure maintenance. FAAN has emphasized its commitment to passenger safety and operational continuity.
Emergency response protocols were successfully tested during this incident, with ARFFS teams demonstrating their readiness to handle such situations. The airport authority continues to monitor the situation closely as maintenance work progresses.
Passengers traveling through Murtala Muhammed International Airport are advised to stay updated with official announcements from FAAN regarding terminal operations and any additional safety measures being implemented.
