FAAN Announces Temporary Closure of Lagos Airport Terminal for Major Rehabilitation Works
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has officially disclosed plans to temporarily shut down Terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, with the closure scheduled to take effect in March 2026. This significant announcement comes as part of a comprehensive initiative to address long-standing structural and operational challenges at the ageing international terminal, which serves as a crucial gateway for air travel in Nigeria.
Rehabilitation and Expansion Project Details
The planned temporary shutdown is directly linked to major rehabilitation and expansion works that have received approval from the federal government. According to FAAN authorities, the closure is expected to last for a substantial period to allow for thorough refurbishment activities aimed at modernizing the facility. The authority emphasized that this move represents a strategic effort to provide sustainable solutions rather than temporary fixes for the terminal's infrastructure issues.
In preparation for the impending shutdown, FAAN has confirmed that construction of temporary workspace facilities for airline staff and service providers currently operating from Terminal 1 has been underway since September 2025. This proactive measure demonstrates the authority's commitment to minimizing disruption to airport operations during the rehabilitation period.
Federal Government Approval and Funding
The rehabilitation project received formal approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in August 2025, with an allocation of N712 billion designated for the refurbishment and modernization of Terminal 1. Announcing this substantial investment at the time, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, highlighted that the project would involve comprehensive rehabilitation and upgrades to bring the terminal up to modern international standards.
The reconstruction works officially commenced on September 4, 2025, marking the beginning of what promises to be a transformative period for Nigeria's busiest airport infrastructure. The federal government's commitment to this substantial investment underscores the importance of maintaining and improving critical aviation infrastructure to support Nigeria's growing air travel demands.
Addressing Infrastructure Challenges
FAAN has acknowledged that frequent operational challenges at Terminal 1 are largely attributable to obsolete infrastructure that requires comprehensive upgrading. The authority specifically referenced recent power supply disruptions, including a major blackout incident in 2024 that significantly disrupted airport operations and stranded numerous passengers.
In explaining the decision to proceed with the temporary shutdown, FAAN noted that installing permanent backup systems at the terminal would not be practical at this stage, given the planned comprehensive rehabilitation project. The authority has apologized to passengers and stakeholders affected by recent disruptions while emphasizing that the closure will enable implementation of long-term solutions.
Commitment to Improved Passenger Experience
FAAN has expressed gratitude to passengers, airlines, and other stakeholders for their patience and cooperation during this transitional period. The authority has reaffirmed its commitment to improving safety standards, operational reliability, and overall passenger experience at Nigeria's premier international airport.
The rehabilitation project represents a significant milestone in Nigeria's aviation sector development, with potential to enhance the country's position as a regional aviation hub. As the March 2026 shutdown date approaches, stakeholders across the aviation industry are preparing for the temporary operational adjustments that will accompany this essential infrastructure upgrade.
