Major Fire at Lagos International Airport Terminal Grounds Airfield

A significant fire broke out on Monday at Terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, prompting an emergency response from aviation authorities, the temporary closure of the airfield, and the suspension of flight operations.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed that a blaze erupted at Terminal 1, a section of MMIA that has been undergoing reconstruction. FAAN stated its firefighting teams were immediately mobilised to the scene and worked to contain the situation.

Air Peace released a statement earlier informing customers and the general public that the airspace was shut down and flights suspended to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and airport staff while the incident was being brought under control.

“As a result, inbound and outbound flights across our network are experiencing delays pending the reopening of the airfield and restoration of normal operations,” the airline stated.

Eyewitness reports also noted thick smoke emanating from the facility, leading to immediate evacuations and coordinated firefighting efforts involving FAAN’s fire services and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.

Despite the severity of the fire, FAAN claimed that no loss of life was recorded and emergency responders successfully evacuated all personnel from the affected areas.

As a direct result of the fire, flight operations at Lagos airfield were temporarily suspended. Major domestic and international flights were grounded or diverted as passengers could be seen stranded and distraught.

The closure affected take-offs and landings at one of Africa’s busiest aviation hubs, creating delays and logistical challenges for travellers.

FAAN said further details about the cause of the fire would be released once investigations are complete. Officials urged calm and cooperation from the public.

Customers, airport personnel, and emergency teams remained on high alert throughout the afternoon.

At the time of reporting, the official cause of the fire had not yet been determined. Investigations are ongoing, with initial assessments focusing on possible electrical faults or internal infrastructure failures, though nothing has been confirmed.

The airport has a history of operational challenges, and Terminal 1 is currently undergoing rehabilitation project aimed at modernising its facilities. However, the incident has heightened public concern about the quality of the ongoing upgrades, as well as the effectiveness of existing safety standards and infrastructure protocols in the wake of the fire.

The temporary shutdown of the Lagos airfield underscores the critical importance of emergency preparedness and robust infrastructure in one of the country’s key economic gateways.