Flights Resume As FAAN Reopens Lagos Airspace, Activates Remote Tower After Terminal Fire Containment

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has reopened Lagos airspace following a brief closure due to a fire at Terminal 1 of Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

Henry Agbebire, FAAN’s director of public affairs, confirmed the closure was short-lived. “It was just for a short period. Once the fire was contained, operations resumed. Planes are now arriving and departing,” he said.

FAAN managing director Olubunmi Kuku stated that a remote control tower is being set up to restore full operations. “That remote tower should be ready in the next 20 minutes, and flights will resume shortly,” Kuku added.

The authority is also activating contingency plans, including a temporary terminal outside the Airport Operations Centre, expected to be operational in the coming days.

Kuku expressed gratitude to federal and state agencies for their coordinated response. Emergency teams involved include the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Nigerian Air Force, the police, and other safety agencies.

All 12 personnel from the control tower have been rescued safely, and the fire, which started in the IT server room on the third floor of the five-storey E-wing departure lounge, has been contained.

FAAN will provide further updates as the situation develops.

Erizia Rubyjeana