Airspace over Lagos was temporarily suspended on Monday after a fire erupted at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, causing flight disruptions and prompting an emergency response.
According to Nigerian authorities, the blaze broke out at about 3:00 p.m. in a server room on the first floor of Terminal 1. Thick smoke quickly spread through parts of the building, affecting operations and leading aviation officials to halt air traffic in and out of the airport as a safety precaution.
Six people sustained injuries during the incident and were treated by emergency responders. Officials confirmed that all six are in stable condition. In addition, fourteen individuals were trapped inside the airport’s control tower at the height of the emergency. Rescue teams successfully evacuated them without further harm.
The fire caused damage to sections of the departures hall, an area currently undergoing a major $500 million renovation aimed at upgrading facilities and improving passenger experience at Nigeria’s busiest international gateway. The extent of the structural damage is still being assessed.
The Nigeria’s Airspace Management Agency said it immediately activated contingency plans, including efforts to establish a temporary control tower to ensure the safe management of air traffic. Authorities worked for several hours to contain the blaze and secure the facility before gradually restoring operations.
Flights eventually resumed at approximately 7:30 p.m., bringing relief to stranded passengers and airlines affected by the temporary shutdown. An investigation into the cause of the fire is expected to begin as officials seek to determine what triggered the incident and assess measures to prevent a recurrence.
