Major Fire Incident at Lagos Airport's Historic Terminal
A substantial fire has broken out at the old terminal building of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria's busiest aviation hub. The incident occurred on Monday, February 23, 2025, creating significant concern among aviation authorities and the traveling public.
Renovation Works Underway During Blaze
The affected terminal represents part of the airport's older infrastructure that was actively undergoing renovation at the time of the fire outbreak. These renovation efforts were part of broader initiatives to upgrade airport facilities and enhance the overall passenger experience at Nigeria's primary international gateway.
Henry Agbebire, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, confirmed that emergency response teams were immediately deployed to the scene. "We are aware of the outbreak, and we are there right now," Agbebire stated. "We will publish a statement right now."
Authorities Swiftly Respond to Emergency
Aviation authorities have been actively managing the fire outbreak situation, with multiple emergency services responding to contain the blaze. The incident highlights ongoing challenges with aging airport infrastructure across Nigeria, even as renovation projects attempt to modernize these critical transportation facilities.
The fire at Murtala Muhammed International Airport's old terminal comes at a time when Nigerian aviation authorities have been working to improve safety standards and passenger amenities across the country's airport network. This incident underscores the complex balance between maintaining operational facilities while undertaking necessary upgrades and renovations.
As investigations into the cause of the fire begin, authorities are assessing the extent of damage to the terminal structure and any potential impact on airport operations. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria is expected to provide further details about the incident and any resulting operational adjustments in the coming hours.
