A Fire Outbreak has occurred at the ongoing construction site of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos Terminal 1. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed the incident in a public statement today, Monday 23 February 2026. The authority, however, assured passengers and stakeholders that no loss of life has been recorded.
Fire Outbreak
Eyewitnesses say there was pandemonium as fire gutted the terminal with airport users scampering for safety, however, despite the melee caused by the incident people at the terminal were able to get out, mostly unscathed.
According to FAAN, its firefighting unit responded immediately after the Fire Outbreak was detected. Emergency teams swiftly mobilised equipment to contain the flames and prevent escalation. Meanwhile, controlled evacuation procedures were activated to safeguard passengers and airport personnel within the vicinity.
Meanwhile, FAAN states that emergency response operations remain ongoing. She explained that firefighters are working to fully contain and curtail the Fire Outbreak. In addition, safety officers are conducting routine assessments to ensure structural integrity at the affected section.
The incident occurred at the construction area of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Terminal 1 facility. However, flight operations in other parts of the airport were not significantly disrupted. Airport authorities maintained order while ensuring that passengers were guided to safe zones.
To strengthen containment efforts, FAAN activated its mutual aid arrangements immediately after the Fire Outbreak. Reinforcements were requested from the Lagos State Government and other critical partners. These included the Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
FAAN emphasised that inter-agency collaboration remains vital during incidents of this scale. Therefore, coordinated firefighting and emergency management systems were deployed without delay. The authority reiterated that all necessary measures are being taken to protect lives, infrastructure, and airport assets.
While the Fire Outbreak raised initial concern among travellers, officials reassured the public that the situation is under control. Furthermore, aviation safety protocols were fully activated in line with global standards recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This ensures compliance with internationally recognised emergency management frameworks.
The airport authority also urged the public to rely only on verified updates. It stressed that misinformation during a Fire Outbreak can create unnecessary panic. Consequently, FAAN pledged to provide timely and transparent communication as investigations continue.
The construction project at Terminal 1 forms part of broader infrastructure upgrades designed to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency. However, safety remains the overriding priority. Authorities confirmed that engineers will conduct a detailed post-incident assessment once firefighting operations conclude.
This latest Fire Outbreak highlights the importance of rapid response systems within Nigeria’s busiest aviation hub. Lagos remains a critical gateway for domestic and international traffic. Therefore, maintaining operational resilience is essential to sustaining public confidence in the aviation sector.
FAAN assured that further verified updates will be communicated as developments unfold. Meanwhile, passengers scheduled to travel through the airport are advised to monitor official channels for accurate information.
