Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has ordered the temporary closure of the airspace following a fire outbreak at Terminal One of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, citing safety concerns.
Gatekeepers News reports that in an update issued on Monday, the agency said the decision was taken in line with established safety protocols to protect passengers, airport staff, and critical infrastructure.
FAAN confirmed that six people including three males and three females sustained injuries during the incident, adding that all affected individuals are currently in stable condition. One of them was transferred to the FAAN headquarters hospital for further medical checks and remains stable.
“Emergency response operations remain active, with coordinated firefighting, rescue, and safety teams continuing containment and recovery efforts,” the authority said.
FAAN also disclosed that a crane was deployed to assist rescue operations at the Control Tower, leading to the safe evacuation of all 14 persons who were initially trapped inside the facility.
As part of additional safety measures, the sixth floor of the affected building was fully evacuated to allow emergency teams to carry out risk control operations without obstruction.
Preliminary findings by the fire service indicated that the incident originated from the server room located on the first floor of Terminal One. FAAN said the fire in the departure hall has been largely brought under control, while emergency teams continue to closely monitor the situation to prevent its spread to other parts of the terminal.
“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,” FAAN said.
The agency explained that the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency is working to set up a temporary Control Tower to ensure the safe and gradual resumption of flight operations as soon as conditions permit.
“In line with established safety protocols, the airspace remains temporarily closed. Meanwhile, 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,” the statement added.
FAAN said all emergency procedures were promptly activated and that it is collaborating with relevant emergency and support agencies to safeguard lives, airport facilities, and ongoing operations.
