•MMIA reopens after incident, three flights diverted
A major fire outbreak at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) on Monday left six persons injured and forced the temporary closure of the airport’s airspace, disrupting flight operations.
The incident occurred at the Control Tower area of Terminal 1, prompting an immediate activation of emergency response protocols.
In a statement, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed that firefighting, rescue and safety teams were swiftly deployed to contain the blaze and evacuate those affected.
According to the authority, a crane was mobilised to support rescue operations at the Control Tower.
All 14 people initially trapped in the facility were successfully rescued and safely evacuated.
FAAN disclosed that six casualties — three males and three females — were recorded. All injured persons are reported to be in stable condition. One of the victims was transferred to the FAAN Headquarters Hospital for further medical evaluation and remains stable.
“As an additional safety precaution, the sixth floor of the affected facility has been completely evacuated to support ongoing emergency operations and risk mitigation,” the statement read.
Preliminary findings by the Fire Service indicate that the fire originated from the server room on the first floor of Terminal 1.
Authorities said the blaze in the departure hall has been largely brought under control, while responders continue to monitor adjoining sections to prevent any spread.
In line with aviation safety regulations, the airspace connected to the airport was temporarily shut. The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has begun arrangements to establish a temporary Control Tower to ensure the safe and timely restoration of flight operations.
FAAN assured passengers and stakeholders that all necessary emergency procedures were promptly activated and that the agency is collaborating with relevant bodies to safeguard lives, infrastructure and operational integrity.
To strengthen containment efforts, FAAN activated mutual aid agreements, receiving reinforcements from the Lagos State Government, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, among other emergency response agencies.
The fire incident comes amid ongoing Federal Government plans to remodel Terminal 1. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had previously defended a proposal to reconstruct the aging terminal at an estimated cost of N712 billion.
Keyamo said the proposed rebuilding forms part of broader efforts to upgrade the airport to international standirds.
He noted that the terminal, constructed over four decades ago, has experienced significant deterioration, including leaking roofs, failing ceilings and obsolete baggage systems.
While the redevelopment plan has attracted mixed reactions, particularly over its timing amid economic challenges, the minister maintained that funding would be sourced through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Funding framework rather than direct budgetary allocations.
Authorities said investigations into the immediate cause of the fire are ongoing, and pledged to provide further verified updates.
FAAN reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and restoring full operations at the country’s busiest international gateway as soon as possible
Meanwhile, FAAN says the airspace at Murtala Muhammed International Airport Terminal One has reopened after the initial disruption of services caused by the fire outbreak.
Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, told journalists on Monday night that there were no fatalities, but six people sustained injuries during the incident.
She said three international flights were diverted, including those operated by Emirates, British Airways and Lufthansa.
According to Kuku, “Some of our operations were affected; however, they will be back up and running in the next half an hour.”
On renovation works, Kuku said projects were ongoing within the airport, but not in the area where the fire reportedly began.
“In the area we believe the fire started, nothing was happening at the time. People were only moving items out,” she stated.
Kuku said most departures and arrivals had been moved, with departures largely relocated to Terminal 2.
She added that four airlines were scheduled to move into the temporary terminal, which she described as ready for use.
“In terms of the full operations affected, I would say not a lot,” she said, adding that the temporary terminal would be active within days.
Addressing lingering smoke, Kuku assured passengers that firefighters would remain on ground as a precaution.
She said: “If you have friends or family on the diverted flights, British Airways went to Abuja, Lufthansa to Malabo, and Emirates was also diverted.