- FAAN Reopens MMIA Terminal One Airspace After Fire Outbreak
- Kuku revealed that three international flights were diverted as a precaution
- Says civil and structural engineers had been engaged to assess the integrity of the building and determine the next course of action
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has confirmed that the airspace at Terminal One of Murtala Muhammed International Airport has reopened following a fire outbreak.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, disclosed on Monday that there were no fatalities, although six people sustained injuries during the incident.
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She revealed that three international flights were diverted as a precaution, including those operated by Emirates, British Airways and Lufthansa.
“Some of our operations were affected; however, they will be back up and running in the next half an hour,” Kuku said.
According to her, the immediate priority was to contain the fire and ensure passenger safety, while investigations into the cause of the incident are ongoing.
“What is important is that we activated our emergency procedures and evacuated everyone with no fatalities due to coordinated efforts by all agencies,” she stated.
Kuku explained that the airport’s Emergency Operations Centre was activated, led by the airport manager acting as Chief Safety and Security Officer, in line with established emergency protocols.
She noted that coordination among relevant agencies followed standard procedures, with additional support from state authorities where required.
On ongoing renovation works at the airport, the FAAN boss clarified that no construction activity was taking place in the section where the fire reportedly started.
“In the area we believe the fire started, nothing was happening at the time. People were only moving items out. The fire started from the ground floor, according to our investigations so far. We are awaiting confirmation and cannot say more at this time,” she said.
She confirmed that the fire later escalated to the roof of the terminal building, adding that police units and helicopters supported rescue efforts promptly.
Kuku said civil and structural engineers had been engaged to assess the integrity of the building and determine the next course of action.
Most departures and arrivals were subsequently relocated, with departures largely moved to Terminal Two. She added that four airlines were scheduled to operate from a temporary terminal facility, which she described as ready for use within days.
“In terms of the full operations affected, I would say not a lot,” she noted.
Addressing concerns over lingering smoke, Kuku assured passengers that firefighters would remain on site as a precautionary measure while normal operations gradually resume.
