By theG&BJournal
TUE FEB 24 2026-theGBJournal| Nigeria’s airspace was temporarily shut down on Monday following a fire outbreak at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, triggering flight disruptions and panic among passengers.
Authorities confirmed a total of six casualties — comprising three males and three females — were recorded, all of whom are in stable condition.
”One affected individual has been transferred to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Headquarters Hospital for further medical evaluation and remains stable,” FAAN said
The sixth floor of the affected facility has been completely evacuated to support ongoing emergency operations and risk mitigation, as an additional safety precaution, FAAN management said.
Preliminary findings from the Fire Service indicate that the fire originated from the server room on the first floor of Terminal 1.
The fire within the departure hall is now largely under control, while responders continue close monitoring to prevent any spread to adjoining sections of the terminal.
Officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed that the temporary closure of Nigeria’s airspace was a precautionary measure to guarantee passenger safety and allow emergency services unimpeded access to the affected area.
”In line with established safety protocols, the airspace remains temporarily closed,” FAAN said, as flights inbound to Lagos were diverted, while departures were suspended as safety teams battled to contain the inferno and assess structural damage.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) is actively working to establish a temporary Control Tower to enable the safe and timely restoration of airport operations as soon as practicable.
FAAN confirms that all emergency procedures were promptly activated and continues to collaborate with relevant emergency and support agencies to safeguard lives, infrastructure, and operational integrity.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, addressed members of the media early Monday evening on the ongoing firefighting efforts at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
She reassures passengers, stakeholders, and the general public of FAAN’s swift response and coordinated emergency action, emphasizing that safety remains the Authority’s top priority.
She said all necessary firefighting and safety protocols were immediately activated, with response teams working diligently to contain the situation and ensure minimal disruption to airport operations.
Aviation stakeholders warn that even a brief shutdown at the country’s busiest gateway could have ripple effects across regional air traffic and commercial operations.
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