Lagos Airport Flights Resume After Terminal Fire; FAAN Activates Emergency Protocols
Flight operations have fully resumed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos following a brief suspension triggered by a fire incident at Terminal One, according to an official confirmation from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The temporary closure of the airport's airspace was implemented as a standard safety precaution, with normal activities restored swiftly after the fire was contained.
Swift Response and Contingency Activation
FAAN Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku detailed the agency's rapid deployment of a remote control tower to facilitate the resumption of flight activities. "The remote tower should be up in the next few minutes and operations restored. Flights will start departing and arriving shortly after the restoration," she stated during a briefing with journalists. This technological intervention played a crucial role in minimizing disruption to air travel schedules.
In addition to the remote tower, FAAN activated comprehensive contingency plans, including the establishment of a temporary terminal outside the Airport Operations Centre (AOC). Kuku emphasized that this temporary facility is expected to become operational within a few days, providing an alternative operational base while assessments and repairs are conducted at the affected terminal.
Coordinated Emergency Agency Efforts
The FAAN leadership commended the coordinated response from multiple emergency and security agencies. Key participants included the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Nigerian Air Force, and the Nigeria Police Force, among other safety bodies. Their collaborative efforts ensured effective management of the incident and a prompt return to normal operations.
Henry Agbebire, FAAN's Director of Public Affairs, confirmed the brevity of the disruption in a statement to TheCable. "It was just for a short period. Once the fire was curtailed, the operations started. Planes have been flying in and leaving," he noted, underscoring the efficiency of the emergency protocols.
Ministerial Oversight and Future Assessments
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo conducted an emergency visit to the airport following the incident. In a statement released via his official X account, Keyamo praised FAAN personnel and first responders for their swift actions in establishing emergency procedures. "I directed the fire department of FAAN and the Lagos State Fire Service to maintain an overnight vigil at the airport to ensure that the fire is properly put out," he announced.
The Minister further committed to undertaking a detailed tour of the airport to assess the extent of damage caused by the fire and to issue necessary directives for remediation and safety enhancements. This proactive approach aims to reinforce infrastructure resilience and operational continuity.
Background on Terminal Rehabilitation Plans
This incident occurs against the backdrop of previously announced plans by FAAN to shut down Terminal One of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in March 2026 for major rehabilitation and expansion works. The federal government had approved N712 billion for the refurbishment and modernization of the terminal in August 2025, highlighting ongoing efforts to upgrade aviation infrastructure across Nigeria.
The temporary suspension of flights and the activation of emergency measures demonstrate FAAN's adherence to established safety protocols designed to protect passengers, crew members, and airport personnel. With normal departures and arrivals now resumed, authorities continue to monitor the situation to ensure sustained safety and operational efficiency at one of Nigeria's busiest aviation hubs.
