Chaos unfolded on Wednesday morning after a major Murtala Muhammed Airport caught fire causing disruption of the on activities at Nigeria’s busiest aviation hub. The blaze, which affected a section of the international terminal, forced the immediate evacuation of passengers, airline personnel and airport staff, sending travel schedules into disarray.
The fire reportedly began at the E Arrival wing of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos after what officials suspect was a faulty electrical cable. Thick black smoke quickly filled parts of the building, triggering fire alarms and causing panic among travelers preparing for departing and arriving flights.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of confusion as security operatives and airline officials hurriedly guided passengers through emergency exits. Smoke spread rapidly across several levels of the terminal, significantly reducing visibility and heightening fears of a larger outbreak.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria confirmed the incident in an official statement, explaining that smoke was first detected from a ceiling panel in the early hours of the day. Preliminary findings point to a possible electrical surge within the primary power system.
Emergency response teams from the Aerodrome Fire and Safety Services arrived within minutes and deployed specialized equipment to contain the flames. Their swift intervention prevented the fire from spreading to critical areas such as the main departure lounges and fuel hydrant zones, averting what could have been a far more devastating situation.
Flight operations were significantly affected as airport management temporarily shut down power to the impacted section as a precautionary measure. Several international flights scheduled for morning departures and arrivals experienced delays, while some inbound aircraft were redirected to alternative sections of the airport to minimize passenger exposure to smoke.
Although parts of the terminal sustained visible structural damage, including portions of the ceiling and interior cladding, authorities confirmed that no fatalities or serious injuries were recorded.
Investigators have since sealed off the affected wing for detailed technical inspection to determine the precise cause of the fire. The incident has once again raised concerns among aviation stakeholders about infrastructure maintenance standards and the aging electrical systems within the international terminal.
FAAN management reassured the public that restoration efforts are ongoing and that passenger safety remains its top priority. Engineers are currently assessing the extent of the damage to ensure full compliance with aviation safety regulations before reopening the affected areas.
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As cleanup operations continue, the impact of the Murtala Muhammed Airport fire is still being felt by thousands of travelers. Airlines have advised passengers to confirm their flight status before heading to the terminal to avoid unnecessary delays and congestion.
While the flames have been extinguished, the temporary shutdown highlights the economic and operational vulnerability of critical national infrastructure to technical failures, renewing calls for comprehensive upgrades within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
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