Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Blackout chaos erupted at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos late Tuesday after a critical power cable was damaged, plunging parts of the terminal into darkness and disrupting travel during peak hours. The sudden outage caused confusion among passengers and airport staff as check‑in counters, security checkpoints, and other essential services were affected, while efforts to restore power continued.
The outage occurred at a time when the airport was experiencing heavy passenger traffic. Travellers reported long queues and uncertainty about flight schedules as airline staff struggled to manage operations without full electrical supply. Some passengers described widespread confusion, with many relying on mobile phone lights to navigate the darkened terminals.
According to sources familiar with the incident, the blackout was caused by damage to a key electrical cable, reportedly struck during maintenance work by a contractor at one of the airport terminals. Technical teams were quickly deployed to isolate the fault and begin repairs, but restoring full power took several hours due to the complexity of the airport’s electrical system.
This incident follows a history of intermittent power challenges at the airport. Previous outages in recent years, including one in 2024, resulted in flight delays and operational disruptions, highlighting vulnerabilities in the infrastructure of Africa’s busiest air transport hub.
Airport officials and engineers worked through the night to restore normal operations, coordinating with power technicians to repair the damaged cable and stabilise backup power systems. Temporary generators and contingency measures helped keep essential services running, but some areas, including check‑in counters and baggage handling, continued to experience delays.
The blackout renewed concerns about the resilience of the airport’s power infrastructure, particularly the reliance on a limited number of critical cables. Industry observers noted that while standby power systems exist, damage to a single key cable can have cascading effects, highlighting the need for more robust redundancies.
Passengers affected by the outage voiced frustration over the delays and confusion. Some were unable to access flight information due to system outages, while food outlets and retail shops within the terminal were forced to close temporarily. Airlines worked to adjust schedules and manage passengers, urging travellers to stay in contact for updates.
Authorities are expected to release an official statement detailing the cause of the blackout, the extent of the damage, and preventive measures to avoid future occurrences. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and other regulatory bodies are likely to review contingency plans and maintenance protocols to strengthen resilience.
The incident underscores the importance of reliable power systems for critical infrastructure. For Murtala Muhammed International Airport, which handles millions of passengers annually and serves as Nigeria’s main international gateway, ensuring stable electricity supply is essential for operational efficiency, safety, and customer confidence.
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