International flights into and out of the Murtala Muhamed Airport may experience some disruptions today and in the coming days following the outbreak of fire at the number one gateway airport.
The fire, which started from an old underground cable close to the baggage hall of the airport, led to very thick smoke billowing from the portion that subsequently enveloped the terminal building at the international airport.
Information gathered by the Nigerian Tribune has, however, revealed that the Lagos airport actually suffered two fire incidents on the same day, with the second incident erupting from the accounting department of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), where the source of the fire was attributed to a spark from the cable fibers installed there.
The fire outbreak at the account section was said to be the second of a similar incident which earlier occurred at the credit control department of the same organization last month, which burnt important documents.
For the outbreak at the international airport, it took the intervention of the fire officers of the FAAN and relevant agencies to put out the fire.
To prevent any serious injuries, all the passengers on the ground and other workers, including Airlines, were evacuated to the new terminal building.
The fire outbreak at the old terminal building is coming one week after the minister of aviation, Mr Festus Keyamo, announced plans to shut down the old terminal for major repairs.
He, however, gave the foreign Airlines and other Airlines operating from the old terminal till October 1st, 2023, to relocate to the new terminal building, which the foreign carriers had hitherto shunned due to lack of the airbridges that will be linked to their wide-body aircraft for the use of passengers.
The minister, however, promised to buy buses that will be used to convey passengers from the aircraft to a convenient place where they can continue on their journey.
The outbreak that the airport recorded today has justified the several complaints from key players and passengers about the near collapse of the infrastructural facilities at the old terminal building, which was constructed between 1978 and 1979 after the Schiphol airport in Nederlands.
The fire outbreak may hasten the plan by the minister of aviation to commence the shutdown of the old terminal for a total overhaul.
In its reaction, FAAN, while confirming the incident through a statement issued by the spokesperson, Mr Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, declared: “At approximately 0750 hours this morning, a smoke incident was reported at Terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, located in Ikeja, Lagos. The source of the smoke was identified as originating from the basement of the Terminal building.
“Promptly responding to the situation, the dedicated firefighters from the Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS) of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport initiated immediate action. Their swift response and professional efforts have successfully brought the situation under control.
“In accordance with our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of passengers, staff, and all airport users, the Terminal building was promptly evacuated due to the smoke that had permeated some areas of the facility.”
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