Flights Diverted To Equatorial Guinea, Abuja As Fire Razes Lagos International Airport

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has diverted international flights to neighbouring Equatorial Guinea, Ghana and Abuja after a fire broke out at Terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

LEADERSHIP reports that the Lagos airspace was temporarily shut down, disrupting flights, including Ibom Air IAN602 (LOS–ACC), IAN555 (ABV–LOS), and IAN513 (QUO–LOS), which were scheduled to depart.

However, speaking to Journalists, the managing director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, said the Airport has been reopened for operations after it was initially shut down following the fire incident.

She, however, confirmed that after the Airspace was reopened, an Ethiopian Airlines aircraft departed at 7:26 pm on Monday.

“British Airways was diverted to Abuja, while Lufthansa was diverted to Malabo and, of course, the Emirates flight. However, for travelling passengers, please note that our operations will be back up and running within the next half an hour. So it’s okay to come into the airport if you have flight operations in the next couple of hours or in the next couple of days.”

The FAAN MD stated that the fire started on the ground floor before spreading to the airport’s roof.

“The fire did start from the ground floor. We are awaiting confirmation. I cannot say more than that at this time. Of course, you can look behind me, and you see that it did escalate to the roof. We had all of the agencies here, including the police, and a number of helicopters that actually supported our rescue operations. And I would say that this was done very swiftly,” she stated.

Meanwhile, LEADERSHIP gathered that about 14 Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs), who were initially trapped in the inferno at the control tower, have been rescued.

In a comprehensive update on the fire incident, FAAN said a crane was deployed to support rescue operations at the Control Tower, and all 14 persons initially trapped were safely rescued and fully evacuated from the facility.

“A total of six persons, 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.

However, according to the FAAN statement, preliminary findings from the Fire Service indicated that the fire originated from the server room on the first floor of Terminal 1 of the airport.

“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.”

“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.

Meanwhile, the Airport Command of the Nigerian Police said the fire outbreak started at around 15:45hours after the command received a distress call.

In a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer,  Mohammed Adeola, a  police helicopter was deployed to the scene to provide aerial support and facilitate the safe evacuation of trapped personnel.

“At approximately 15:45 hours, a distress call was received via radio from the Aviation Security (AVSEC) base station, confirming a fire incident at the Old Terminal 1, which is currently undergoing major renovation and repair works. The fire reportedly extended towards the control tower area. A police helicopter was promptly deployed to the scene to provide aerial support and facilitate the safe evacuation of any workers or personnel who may have been trapped or at risk within the affected building.

“Our officers, working closely with FAAN Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and other emergency responders, are ensuring perimeter security, crowd control, and the protection of life and property throughout the operation,” he said.