Flight disruptions loom as airspace is shut after fire incident at MMIA old terminal

Flight disruptions are looming as the airspace has been temporarily shut following a fire incident at terminal one of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

Ripples Nigeria had earlier reported that a fire incident had broken out at the old terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at a section of the facility currently undergoing a multi-billion-naira upgrade.

The affected terminal forms part of the airport’s older infrastructure and is presently under renovation aimed at modernising facilities and enhancing passenger experience.

Confirming the incident and providing an update, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Henry Agbebire, said emergency teams had already been deployed to the scene.

He disclosed that in line with established safety protocols, the airspace remains temporarily closed.

“Meanwhile, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) is actively working to establish a temporary Control Tower to enable the safe and timely restoration of airport operations as soon as practicable”.

He further added that emergency response operations remain active, with coordinated firefighting, rescue, and safety teams continuing containment and recovery efforts.

“A crane was successfully deployed to support rescue operations at the Control Tower, and all fourteen (14) persons initially trapped have been safely rescued and fully evacuated from the facility.

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“A total of six (6) injured — comprising three males and three females — were recorded, all of whom are in stable condition. One affected individual has been 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.

“Preliminary findings from the Fire Service indicate that the fire originated from the server room on the first floor of Terminal 1. 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. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) is actively working to establish a temporary Control Tower to enable the safe and timely restoration of airport operations as soon as practicable.

“FAAN confirms that all emergency procedures were promptly activated and continues to collaborate with relevant emergency and support agencies to safeguard lives, infrastructure, and operational integrity.

He added that further verified updates will be communicated as more information becomes available.

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