Manny Ita –
Operations were temporarily disrupted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos on Thursday after the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) ordered the immediate closure of Terminal 3 following an electrical spark and smoke incident within the facility.
The incident, which reportedly occurred in an operational office within the terminal earlier in the day, triggered concern among airport staff and passengers as smoke was detected, prompting swift emergency response measures. FAAN officials confirmed that the closure was a precautionary step to ensure safety while technical teams assessed the source and extent of the problem.
According to preliminary findings, the disruption was linked to an electrical fault that caused a spark, leading to smoke emission within the affected office space. Although there were no immediate reports of injuries or casualties, the situation necessitated the evacuation of personnel from the vicinity and a temporary halt to activities within the terminal.
Airport emergency services, including fire and safety units, were promptly deployed to contain the situation and prevent any escalation. FAAN authorities stated that the response teams acted in line with established safety protocols, successfully securing the area and mitigating potential risks.
Passengers scheduled to use Terminal 3 experienced delays and were redirected as airport management worked to manage the impact on flight operations. Some airlines were said to be making alternative arrangements while awaiting further updates from FAAN on the reopening timeline.
In a brief statement, FAAN reassured the public that safety remains its top priority, emphasizing that the terminal would only be reopened after a thorough inspection and confirmation that all systems are fully operational and safe for use. The authority also appealed for patience and cooperation from travelers affected by the disruption.
Aviation analysts note that while such incidents are not uncommon in large transport hubs, the speed of response and adherence to safety protocols are critical in preventing escalation. They added that the incident underscores the need for continuous maintenance and upgrades of airport infrastructure to avoid similar occurrences.
As of the time of filing this report, engineers were still conducting detailed checks on electrical systems within the terminal, with FAAN expected to provide further updates on when normal operations will resume.
