The Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engineer Farouq Umar, has confirmed that the Air-to-Ground Communication system at Murtala Muhammed International Airport Terminal 1 was completely affected by the recent fire outbreak.
He said the disruption forced a temporary suspension of inbound flights into Lagos. However, emergency backup systems were swiftly activated to stabilise operations and protect the integrity of the Nigerian airspace.
Air-to-Ground Communication refers to the critical radio link between pilots and air traffic controllers. It enables controllers to issue clearances, routing instructions, weather updates, and safety advisories. Without effective Air-to-Ground Communication, aircraft movement becomes unsafe and uncoordinated.
Speaking during a press briefing, Managing Director of NAMA, Engineer Farouq Umar, said the incident unfolded while management was in session.
“In fact, we were in the management meeting when this incident was reported. I immediately dispatched the Director of Operations and Engineering to come and see things for themselves. They were on ground and what we saw actually was a huge loss as far as communication is concerned.”
He added that the damage went beyond surface infrastructure and struck directly at operational systems.
“Other air traffic services were really the subject. So we had no option at that time than to suspend inbound aircraft into Lagos.”
However, the swift intervention of operational teams limited prolonged disruption. Meanwhile, engineers worked under hazardous conditions to safeguard remaining facilities.
“Good enough, the Director of Operations was around and there was prompt response. I commend the gallant effort of the Director of Operations and Engineers and those workers that were on ground. Some of them actually put their lives in danger. They were supposed to run and leave their workplace. They decided to stay and salvage the situation.”
Air-to-Ground Communication Sustained Through Backup Systems
Managing Director of NAMA, Engineer Farouq Umar, clarified that the original Air-to-Ground Communication facility was severely damaged. Therefore, what currently sustains Lagos operations is a contingency arrangement.
“Let me be very honest with you. The fire has affected our air-to-ground communication completely. What you see on ground now that we are able to sustain air-to-ground service is the backup that we moved from other places to sustain Lagos.”
He stressed that airdrome approach and area control services remain operational. In addition, controllers continue to guide aircraft safely using redundant systems.
“Today we are happy to say that the communication, airdrome approach and air control remains uninterrupted.”
The reassurance comes amid heightened concern over infrastructure resilience at Terminal 1. Recently, NigerianFLIGHTDECK reported on the MMIA fire and injury update here: https://nigerianflightdeck.com/mmia-fire-6-injuries-update/
Furthermore, aviation safety oversight remains under the regulatory supervision of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, which mandates redundancy in communication systems.
Managing Director of NAMA, Engineer Farouq Umar, reiterated that safety remains paramount.
“I want to assure Nigerians and the flying public that the Nigerian airspace remains safe because we take safety as a sub-concern. We don’t expect emergency situations but we are highly professional and always ready.”
Mobile Tower Relocation to Reinforce Air-to-Ground Communication
To strengthen Air-to-Ground Communication resilience, NAMA has initiated the relocation of a mobile control tower. However, terrain challenges initially delayed deployment.
“We didn’t move it immediately because the terrain was not good. So we have to ask the Chinese firm working here to help us with the civil work so that we can move the mobile tower.”
He expressed optimism over the pace of work.
“From what I’ve seen so far, they have done very well within a day or two. Hopefully, by tomorrow or next, we will be able to move the mobile tower.”
On financial losses, he said assessment is ongoing.
“It’s going to be very difficult for me to tell you the magnitude of the loss. It’s going to take us a while for us to do so. But we are working on it.”
He concluded with renewed assurance on Air-to-Ground Communication stability.
“I want to reassure Nigerians and the flying public that the air-to-ground communication will remain uninterrupted.”
The Terminal 1 fire has exposed infrastructure vulnerabilities. Nevertheless, contingency planning ensured Air-to-Ground Communication continuity and protected flight safety across Lagos airspace.
