The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has confirmed a fire outbreak at Terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, with efforts to fully extinguish the blaze remaining ongoing late Monday evening.
In its latest update posted around 8:45 PM, FAAN described a “swift and coordinated response” involving intense deployment of firefighting vehicles, rescue equipment, and emergency personnel from multiple agencies.
The fire, which erupted earlier in the afternoon in sections of the older Terminal 1 building, originated from the IT server room on the third floor near the E-wing of the departure lounge, according to preliminary reports from responders.
Thick black smoke billowed from the structure, visible across the airport vicinity, leading to an immediate evacuation of passengers and staff, temporary closure of the Lagos airspace, and diversions of inbound flights to alternatives like Abuja and Malabo.
FAAN said it activated mutual aid arrangements and called for reinforcements from the Lagos State Government, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, and other relevant emergency agencies.
All 14 individuals initially trapped were safely evacuated and rescued alive, with no fatalities recorded. A crane was deployed earlier to aid in rescuing personnel from the control tower area.
However, six people — three male and three female — sustained injuries and are in stable condition, receiving treatment at the FAAN Clinic.
No one remains trapped, and operations now focus on containment, recovery, and eventual restoration of normal functions.
While FAAN and collaborating agencies, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, have brought the blaze “largely under control” in key areas like the departure hall, full extinguishment has not yet been achieved.
Responders are maintaining close monitoring to prevent re-ignition or extension to adjoining sections.
The authority highlighted the “collective commitment and professionalism” of first responders and partners, commending their “courage, synergy, and rapid intervention” as teams continue battling the flames to safeguard lives and protect critical infrastructure.
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) is working to establish a temporary control tower setup to facilitate a safe resumption of operations as soon as practicable.
“We wish to reassure the public that no loss of life has been recorded at this time, and all necessary measures are being taken to safeguard lives and property. Further verified updates will be communicated as the situation develops,” FAAN management stated.