FAAN Redirects Flight Operations To MMIA's New Terminal After Fire Incident

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has redirected flight operations and processing of passengers to Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos State.

Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, FAAN, Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, announced the development in a statement on Thursday.

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The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, earlier ordered airlines to relocate to Terminal 2 by October 1, adding that the relocation was a necessity for the renovation and total overhaul of Terminal 1.

Yakubu-Funtua said the expedited relocation to the new terminal was deemed necessary due to the fire incident that recently occurred at Terminal 1.

He appealed to travellers to arrive at the airport early in order to complete their check-in formalities.

“We intend to make this movement as seamless as possible but appeal to all travellers to please be at the airport early enough to complete their check-in formalities on time,” the FAAN spokesperson said.

“This is necessary to ensure they do not miss their flight.

“FAAN remains committed to her core values of safety, security and comfort.”

The development came after the fire outbreak at the baggage hall of the MMIA on Wednesday.

The incident, which occurred around 8am, led to a temporary evacuation of passengers and airport staff from the flagship airport.

In a statement confirming the incident, FAAN said the fire started from “a suspected electrical spark” from a burning lithium inverter battery installation.

“At approximately 0723 hours this morning, a suspected electrical spark at the baggage hall ceiling caused the smoke incident that was reported at Terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, located in Ikeja, Lagos,” the statement reads.