The Federal Government has shut down the temporary terminal building at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos following a fire outbreak that caused panic among passengers, crew, and staff.
The decision to close the terminal was taken to allow for thorough investigation and ensure the safety of airport users after the building was engulfed in thick smoke.
The shutdown of the temporary terminal is expected to cause significant disruption to flight operations at the airport, with passengers being redirected to other facilities while investigations into the cause of the fire continue.
Panic erupted on Wednesday at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos after a fire, caused by electrical spark, broke out at the airport’s operational office, which resulted in smoke emission at about 14:05 hours.
The affected terminal was suddenly engulfed in thick smoke, triggering confusion and fear among travellers who rushed to exit the building.
As learnt, the fire broke out immediately after an Ethiopian Airlines flight completed boarding and departed, as authorities activated emergency response protocols to secure the area and prevent casualties while the exact cause remains unknown.
According to The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), electrical maintenance is currently ongoing to ensure that all electrical systems are functioning optimally ahead of the Terminal’s reopening.
FAAN, in a statement issued minutes after the incident noted that all flights that currently operate from Terminal 3 have been diverted to Terminal 2,
“The situation is under control, as personnel of the Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Services (ARFFS) promptly responded and contained the incident,” it added.
As of the time of filing this report, there are no confirmed reports of casualties or injuries from the incident.
This latest fire comes barely a month after another blaze in February 2026 that destroyed critical air-to-ground communication systems at Terminal 1 of the same airport, forcing reliance on backup systems and causing significant operational disruptions.
