Again, Fire Guts MMIA’s Old Terminal, Flights Diverted

Another minor fire incident was recorded at the old terminal of the Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, prompting flight diversion.

The fire was recorded at the E-wing of the terminal.

Reports explained that another fire gutted the terminal in September 2023, necessitating the total shutdown of the terminal while all the airlines were relocated to the new terminal.

While the fire incident yesterday did not substantially affect flight operations, stakeholders have called for a permanent solution to the recurring fire disasters at the 40-year-old terminal.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced the diversion of all flight operations from the E Wing to the D-Wing.

It was learned that the fire started in the early hours of Thursday after smoke was detected at E54 bridge.

Officials of the Airport Rescue and Firefighting Services (ARFFS) were swiftly mobilised to contain the fire which had cut off the power supply at the section of the old international terminal.

FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah, confirmed the fire, saying, “The Airport Rescue and Firefighting Services (ARFFS) team was quick to respond, arriving at the scene by 05:30 hrs.

“Initial suspicions pointed to sparks from an electrical unit as the cause, but a thorough investigation is ongoing to ascertain the cause of the fire.

“The incident, which escalated into a fire, was brought under control by 06:41 hrs.”