The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, paid an emergency late-night visit to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) after a fire broke out on Monday at Terminal 1, the airport’s old international terminal.
The fire reportedly ignited around 3:30 p.m. in the IT server room of the five-storey structure, which is currently undergoing major renovation. It later spread to upper sections of the building, damaging parts of the roof before being successfully contained.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), working alongside the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Federal Fire Service, and other emergency responders, coordinated efforts to control the blaze. No deaths were recorded. Between 12 and 14 personnel, including air traffic controllers in the control tower, were evacuated safely — some using a crane — while six injured individuals were said to be in stable condition and receiving care at the FAAN clinic.
The incident briefly disrupted operations, leading to the temporary closure of Lagos airspace and the diversion of at least three international flights operated by British Airways, Lufthansa, and Emirates. Flight activities later resumed, with normal schedules restored by evening.
Keyamo arrived at the airport around midnight, where he met with FAAN’s managing director and management team to evaluate the situation and monitor response measures. He praised emergency teams for their swift and coordinated intervention.
“I undertook an emergency trip this night to Lagos following the fire incident at Terminal 1 of MMIA. I arrived at about midnight and joined the FAAN management team still coordinating response efforts. I commend the personnel and first responders for their prompt and coordinated actions, which were instrumental in safeguarding lives and limiting the impact of the incident,” the minister said.
He instructed FAAN’s fire unit and the Lagos State Fire Service to maintain surveillance throughout the night to ensure the fire was completely extinguished. The minister also disclosed plans for a dawn inspection to determine the level of damage and provide additional directives.
Authorities noted that the overall operational effect was minimal, as most flights had already been using Terminal 2 and a temporary facility due to ongoing renovation work at Terminal 1. Passengers were advised to confirm travel details with their airlines, although full operations have since resumed.