The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has confirmed that flight operations have resumed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Terminal One following a fire outbreak that disrupted activities at Nigeria’s busiest international gateway.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, temporarily affected passenger movement and flight schedules. FAAN Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, stated that although no fatalities were recorded, six people sustained injuries during the emergency.
Three international flights operated by British Airways, Lufthansa and Emirates were diverted while firefighters and emergency responders worked to contain the blaze.
“Some of our operations were affected; however, they will be back up and running in the next half an hour,” she said.
What Caused The Fire?
Preliminary findings from the Fire Service indicate that the fire originated in the server room on the first floor of Terminal One. The blaze later spread upward to parts of the roof before it was largely brought under control.
Earlier, FAAN had stated:
“The fire within the departure hall is now largely under control, while responders continue close monitoring to prevent any spread to adjoining sections of the terminal. In line with established safety protocols, the airspace remains temporarily closed.”
Mrs Kuku clarified that although renovation projects are ongoing within the airport complex, no construction work was taking place in the section where the fire is believed to have started.
“In the area we believe the fire started, nothing was happening at the time. People were only moving items out.
“The fire started from the ground floor, from our investigations so far. We are awaiting confirmation and cannot say more at this time,” she said.
Authorities activated the airport’s Emergency Operations Centre immediately after the outbreak, with the airport manager who also serves as chief safety and security officer coordinating the response.
“He is taking charge. There is a standard procedure we follow when it comes to emergencies,” Mrs Kuku added.
Police units and aerial support were deployed, while civil and structural engineers were brought in to assess the integrity of the affected building.
“We have professionals, including civil and structural engineers, to assess the building’s integrity and determine the next steps,” she noted.
Which Flights Were Affected?
At least three international flights were diverted as a precautionary measure.
According to FAAN:
- A British Airways flight was redirected to Abuja.
- A Lufthansa flight was diverted to Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
- An Emirates flight was also rerouted.
“If you have friends or family on the diverted flights, British Airways went to Abuja, Lufthansa to Malabo, and Emirates was also diverted,” Mrs Kuku confirmed.
In addition to the diversions, departures were temporarily relocated, with most outbound flights moved to Terminal Two. Four airlines are also expected to operate from a temporary terminal facility described as ready for immediate use.
“In terms of the full operations affected, I would say not a lot,” she said.
When Will Flight Operations Fully Resume?
FAAN confirmed that flight operations began resuming shortly after the fire was contained. The first post-incident departure took off at approximately 7:20 p.m., shortly after the airspace reopened, although some residual smoke was still visible.
“However, for travelling passengers, operations will resume within half an hour. It is fine to come to the airport for flights in the coming hours or days,” Mrs Kuku assured.
Firefighters remain stationed at the terminal as a precautionary measure while monitoring continues.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) announced that it is working to establish a temporary Control Tower to support the safe and timely restoration of full airport operations.
Authorities say investigations into the exact cause of the fire are ongoing, with further updates expected once technical assessments are completed.
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