Airspace Reopens: No Fatalities as Firefighters Contain Infero at Lagos Airport’s Terminal 1
LAGOS — The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has successfully contained a fire outbreak that erupted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Terminal 1, on Monday afternoon, February 23, 2026.
The incident, which reportedly began around 3:25 PM on the ground floor of the terminal, triggered thick smoke and temporary chaos as passengers and staff scampered for safety. Despite the intensity of the blaze, which eventually reached the roof, FAAN Managing Director Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku confirmed that the emergency response teams prevented any loss of life.
Preliminary findings suggest the fire originated from the ground floor, possibly near a server room or storage area. Notably, the terminal was already slated for a total teardown in March as part of the ₦712 billion MMIA Rehabilitation Project defended by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo.
“The immediate priority was the safety of lives,” Mrs. Kuku stated. “We have activated our Emergency Operations Centre, and our professional engineers are now assessing the structural integrity of the building to determine the next steps.”
FAAN has assured travelers that the temporary departure hall is ready for use and will be fully operational within days to minimize further travel disruptions.
The Response: Rescue and Recovery
FAAN’s Airport Rescue and Firefighting Services (ARFFS) led a multi-agency response to the crisis. Coordination: The agency activated mutual aid arrangements with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASEMA, and private firms including Julius Berger and CCECC. Casualties: While no deaths occurred, six individuals (three males and three females) sustained injuries. They are currently receiving treatment at the FAAN Clinic and are reportedly in stable condition. The “Control Tower” Rescue: In a high-stakes operation, emergency responders used a construction crane to rescue 12 staff members who were briefly trapped in the control tower during the peak of the fire.
Flight Diversions and Operational Impact
The fire forced a temporary suspension of airfield operations to ensure the safety of aircraft and infrastructure. Diversions: At least three international flights—British Airways, Lufthansa, and Emirates—were diverted to Abuja and Malabo (Equatorial Guinea) while firefighters battled the blaze. Relocation: FAAN has already moved most departure and arrival operations to the more modern Terminal 2. The Airspace: Mrs. Kuku confirmed that the airspace reopened by late Monday evening, with operations gradually returning to schedule.
The Cause: Under Investigation
Preliminary findings suggest the fire originated from the ground floor, possibly near a server room or storage area. Notably, the terminal was already slated for a total teardown in March as part of the ₦712 billion MMIA Rehabilitation Project defended by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo.
“The immediate priority was the safety of lives,” Mrs. Kuku stated. “We have activated our Emergency Operations Centre, and our professional engineers are now assessing the structural integrity of the building to determine the next steps.”
FAAN has assured travelers that the temporary departure hall is ready for use and will be fully operational within days to minimize further travel disruptions.