6 rescued, flights diverted over MMIA blaze

A fire that broke out at Terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on Monday triggered flight diversions, disrupted airport operations, and sent passengers and staff fleeing to safety. The blaze, which originated on the ground floor of the ageing terminal, left six people injured, but no fatalities were recorded. Also, 12 […]

A fire that broke out at Terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on Monday triggered flight diversions, disrupted airport operations, and sent passengers and staff fleeing to safety.

The blaze, which originated on the ground floor of the ageing terminal, left six people injured, but no fatalities were recorded.

Also, 12 people who were trapped inside the control towers were rescued unhurt.

Emergency responders, in a coordinated operation with federal and state agencies, contained the fire before it could escalate into a larger catastrophe.

The incident began suddenly, sparking concern among travelers and airport personnel.

The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, said immediate activation of emergency protocols was critical in preventing a tragedy.

“What is critical is to make sure that the fire itself is controlled,” she said.

Preliminary investigations suggest the blaze originated on the ground floor of Terminal 1, although Mrs Kuku cautioned that the cause is still under investigation.

She, however, confirmed that no renovation or construction work was ongoing in the affected area at the time of the fire.

Daily Trust reports that the old terminal is currently undergoing rehabilitation by the federal government, with N710bn allocated for the project.

Prior to the outbreak, FAAN has relocated some airlines and businesses operating at the old terminal to a temporary terminal as the rehabilitation work is underway.

The airport’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) was activated immediately, while federal and state agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police, and the Rapid Response Squad, were deployed to assist in containment, evacuation, and safety measures.

Helicopters provided aerial oversight, guiding teams on the ground and ensuring effective coordination.

“This coordinated effort ensured that what could have become a major tragedy was averted,” Mrs Kuku noted, adding, “Lives were saved because of preparedness, teamwork, and strict adherence to emergency procedures.”

 

Flight diversion

The fire forced the temporary diversion of several flights.

A British Airways service was rerouted to Abuja, Lufthansa diverted to Malabo, and an Emirates flight was also affected.

Despite these disruptions, operations resumed quickly, with Ethiopian Airlines among the first carriers to return as the fire was brought under control.

Our correspondent learnt that most international departures and arrivals had already been shifted to Terminal 2 as a precautionary measure, reducing the overall impact on airport operations.

Kuku assured passengers that disruptions were minimal and that safety remained the airport’s primary concern.

The Airport Police Command, Ikeja, Lagos, in a statement by its spokesman, Asp Mohammed Adeola, said that at approximately 15:45 hours, a distress call was received via radio from the Aviation Security (AVSEC) base station, confirming a fire incident at the Old Terminal 1, which is currently undergoing major renovation and repair works.

The fire reportedly extended towards the control tower area.

“In line with established emergency protocols and inter-agency collaboration, the Airport Police Command immediately activated its response mechanisms. A police helicopter was promptly deployed to the scene to provide aerial support and facilitate the safe evacuation of any workers or personnel who may have been trapped or at risk within the affected building,” it said.

 

MMIA and history of fire incidents

Prior to the ongoing renovation, the MMIA, built over 45 years ago, has not recorded any major rehabilitation and has suffered several fire outbreaks in the past due to electrical sparks.

In April 2024, a fire incident was recorded at the E-wing of the terminal.

Daily Trust reports that another fire gutted the terminal in September 2023, necessitating the total shutdown of the terminal while all the airlines were relocated to the new terminal.