FAAN Announces Temporary Closure Of Lagos Airport Runway

FAAN to close Lagos Airport’s Runway 18R/36L on March 3 and 4.
Closure necessary for rehabilitation at the A2 Taxiway-link.
Alternative runway to remain operational during the period

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the closure of Runway 18R/36L at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, for essential rehabilitation work.

EDITOR’S PICKS

Lagos Assembly Crisis: ‘Obasa Lacks Integrity, Should Face EFCC’ – Rhodes-Vivour
Suspended Lagos Assembly Clerk, Onafeko, Resumes Office After Court Reinstatement
Israeli Forces Vow Not to Withdraw from Gaza-Egypt Border Despite Ceasefire Deal

EKO HOT BLOG reports that this temporary closure, scheduled for Monday, March 3, and Tuesday, March 4, 2025, comes just two weeks after the runway was reopened following nearly 11 months of maintenance.

FAAN disclosed the development in a memo dated February 28, 2025, signed by its Head of Operations, Mrs. J.U. Nwosu, and addressed to the Airport Manager/Regional General Manager for the Southwest Region.

The memo explained that the closure was necessary to facilitate the asphalt phase of the rehabilitation at the A2 Taxiway-link of the runway.

“It is considered necessary to close the runway due to the protruding construction equipment, which may likely become a potential hazard to any landing and departing aircraft,” the statement read.

During the closure period, FAAN assured that the alternative Runway 18L/36R would remain operational to handle flight activities.

The agency also urged all technical departments whose operations might be affected to conduct regular inspections to ensure adequate safety measures, including grass management, enhanced security, and continuous surveillance.

“All measures associated with a total runway closure will be applied; hence, adequate facility protection is necessary,” FAAN added.

In March 2023, FAAN temporarily closed Runway 18R/36L for maintenance, initially estimating an eight-week timeline. However, the repairs took longer than anticipated, causing disruptions to both international and domestic flights.

During that period, airlines relied on the shorter Runway 18L/36R, which is primarily designated for domestic operations. FAAN has since made Taxiway Links 2 and 3 operational, providing international airlines with alternative access routes.

Runway 18R/36L, which measures 3,900 meters (12,794 feet) in length and 60 meters (197 feet) in width, was reopened recently but now requires additional rehabilitation.