What You Need to Know
The Lagos airport police confirmed full control over a fire that broke out at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. The incident temporarily disrupted flights and passenger movement but operations have now returned to normal. Emergency services worked diligently to contain the blaze, ensuring no serious injuries or fatalities occurred.
Africa-Press. The airport police in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, confirmed full control over the fire that broke out in the old terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, stating that flight operations have returned to normal after a temporary halt.
The fire occurred on Monday, disrupting flights and causing chaos for travelers, in addition to rerouting some international flights after the control tower’s activities were affected. Thick smoke was seen rising from parts of the building, while firefighting teams worked for hours to contain the flames.
In a statement from the airport police spokesperson, Officer Mohammed Adiola, it was explained that the fire started in a section of the old terminal before being brought under control through “coordinated efforts among all responding agencies.” He added that 12 workers who were trapped near the control tower were rescued and received urgent medical care, with no serious injuries or fatalities reported.
Resumption of Operations
Adiola confirmed that the temporarily disrupted flights have fully resumed, clarifying that all activities have been moved to the new terminal, while the affected terminal will remain closed to operations and entry until a technical assessment is completed.
The security leadership praised the “professionalism, bravery, and quick cooperation” among the rescue and firefighting teams from the Federal Airports Authority, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services, and medical teams, emphasizing that the rapid coordination helped protect lives and contain the incident without human losses.
Murtala Muhammed International Airport is Nigeria’s busiest airport, serving as a major hub for international and domestic flights. Over the years, it has faced various challenges, including infrastructure issues and safety concerns. The recent fire incident highlights the ongoing need for effective emergency response measures in such critical facilities, ensuring passenger safety and operational continuity.
In recent years, Nigeria has invested in upgrading its airport facilities to enhance safety and efficiency. However, incidents like this fire serve as reminders of the vulnerabilities that still exist, necessitating continuous improvements in safety protocols and emergency preparedness.
