Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Carmen Diego
Flight operations have resumed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport following a temporary suspension triggered by a fire incident that disrupted activities at one of Nigeria’s busiest aviation hubs.
The development was confirmed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria through its Director of Public Affairs, Henry Agbebire, who stated that the airspace closure lasted only for a brief period before authorities restored normal operations. According to FAAN, emergency response teams were immediately deployed after the fire was detected, helping to contain the situation and prevent escalation.
The fire incident reportedly occurred within a section of the airport complex, prompting swift safety protocols designed to protect passengers, airline personnel, and ground infrastructure. Airport officials initiated emergency evacuation procedures in affected zones while technical and firefighting units worked to suppress the blaze. Although the exact cause of the fire has not been officially disclosed, preliminary assessments suggest that investigations are ongoing to determine the origin of the incident.
Air travel activities at the airport were briefly affected as authorities restricted movement within certain operational zones. Several flights experienced scheduling adjustments, while ground handling activities were temporarily slowed to ensure passenger safety. Aviation stakeholders emphasized that the precautionary closure was necessary to allow emergency responders to conduct a thorough assessment of the affected area.
Henry Agbebire confirmed to TheCable that the disruption did not last long and that flight operations were restored once safety was guaranteed. He added that airport management prioritizes passenger safety and will continue monitoring infrastructure systems to prevent future incidents. Although authorities have not released comprehensive technical findings, they assured the public that normal aviation activities have fully resumed.
The Murtala Muhammed International Airport serves as Nigeria’s primary international gateway and handles a substantial volume of passenger and cargo traffic annually. Located in Lagos, the airport is a strategic transportation node linking West Africa to global destinations. Any disruption to its operations often generates national attention due to its economic and logistical importance.
Fire incidents within airport environments are treated as high-risk emergencies because aviation infrastructure contains sensitive electrical systems, fuel storage facilities, and passenger concentration zones. Aviation safety protocols require rapid isolation of affected sections, activation of firefighting systems, and coordination between airport security, technical personnel, and emergency responders.
Industry observers noted that modern airports typically maintain integrated fire detection and suppression technologies designed to minimize damage and protect human life. FAAN officials have previously reiterated commitments to infrastructure maintenance and safety upgrades across Nigerian airports. However, the frequency of infrastructure-related incidents has continued to attract public scrutiny.
Passengers who were present during the disruption described moments of uncertainty when announcements instructed travellers to remain calm while emergency teams handled the situation. Some airlines temporarily adjusted departure and arrival schedules, though no major flight cancellations were reported.
Aviation experts explain that temporary airspace or operational suspension during emergencies is a standard global safety measure. International civil aviation regulations require airports to halt or restrict movements when fire hazards, security threats, or structural risks are detected. Such precautions are intended to prevent accidents that could escalate into large-scale aviation disasters.
The resumption of flight operations was welcomed by airline operators and passengers who rely on the airport for domestic and international travel. Businesses dependent on air cargo logistics also expressed relief that commercial activities were quickly restored. Aviation sector stakeholders said the incident demonstrates the importance of maintaining strong emergency preparedness frameworks within airport management systems.
Nigeria’s aviation sector continues to face infrastructural and operational challenges despite periodic modernization efforts. Industry analysts have called for sustained investment in airport fire safety systems, runway maintenance, and passenger terminal facilities. They argue that rapid urbanization and increasing passenger traffic require continuous infrastructure evaluation.
FAAN has assured the public that further updates will be provided once investigators complete their assessment of the fire incident. The authority also urged passengers to remain attentive to airline notifications regarding possible schedule changes while stressing that normal operations have fully resumed.
The incident adds to ongoing discussions about aviation safety management in Nigeria. Although the fire was contained without reported casualties, stakeholders emphasize that preventive maintenance, early detection systems, and trained emergency response personnel remain essential components of airport security.
As operations continue, authorities say they will monitor airport systems to ensure stability and prevent recurrence of similar emergencies in the future.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments