Operations have resumed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, following a fire incident at Terminal 1, with an Ethiopian Airlines aircraft becoming the first to depart at 7:26 p.m. on Monday after the reopening of the airspace.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), in a comprehensive update on the incident, confirmed that emergency response operations were promptly activated, with coordinated firefighting, rescue, and safety teams carrying out containment and recovery efforts.
According to FAAN, a crane was deployed to support rescue operations at the airport’s Control Tower, where 14 persons were initially trapped. All 14 individuals were safely rescued and fully evacuated from the facility.
Six casualties; comprising three males and three females were recorded during the incident. FAAN stated that all affected persons are in stable condition, with one individual transferred to the FAAN Headquarters Hospital for further medical evaluation and remaining stable.
According to the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the agency, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, as a precautionary measure, the sixth floor of the affected facility was completely evacuated to facilitate emergency operations and mitigate potential risks.
Preliminary findings by the Fire Service indicated that the blaze originated from the server room on the first floor of Terminal 1. The fire in the departure hall has been largely brought 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 was temporarily closed during the emergency. However, just as Kuku assured, flight operations resumed after safety assessments were completed.
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) had earlier begun efforts to establish a temporary Control Tower to ensure the safe and timely restoration of airport operations.
The Managing Director reaffirmed that all emergency procedures were swiftly activated and that it continues to collaborate with relevant agencies to safeguard lives, infrastructure, and operational integrity.
The authority assured the public that further verified updates would be provided as more information becomes available.