The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has commended the ongoing airport construction and rehabilitation at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, while calling for greater airline involvement in the project. The commendation came at the end of its General Meeting held on September 23, 2026, where operators reviewed infrastructure and operational challenges affecting Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The association welcomed efforts by the Federal Government and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to modernise the Lagos airport and provide improved facilities for travellers. However, AON said airlines should be involved early enough to offer practical input on how the rebuilt facilities will function once completed.
Airport Construction Must Consider Airline Operations
The operators stressed that airlines are among the key stakeholders using the airport daily and therefore possess operational experience that could help shape the final design. In particular, AON wants airlines consulted on passenger movement, terminal functionality and the overall flow of people and operations within the facility.
The association made its position clear in its communiqué, stating: “The AON commends the current ongoing construction and rehabilitation activities at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.” It added that airlines should contribute their ideas at an early stage to ensure that potential design problems do not affect the facility’s functionality in future.
The request comes as the government undertakes one of the most significant airport infrastructure projects in Lagos. The major rehabilitation and modernisation programme covers MMIA Terminal 1, alongside expansion works at Terminal 2, access roads, bridges and associated infrastructure. FAAN says the Terminal 1 project involves stripping the ageing structure to its core and rebuilding key mechanical, electrical, plumbing, security and passenger-facing systems.
N712bn Project Anchors Lagos Airport Construction
The largest component of the airport construction programme is valued at N712,258,565,482.18. It covers the rehabilitation, upgrade and modernisation of International Terminal 1, Phase 2, as well as the expansion of the Terminal 2 building and apron, access roads, bridges and other associated works.
The scale of the investment places passenger and airline functionality at the centre of the redevelopment. Therefore, AON’s call focuses not simply on the appearance of the completed facility, but on how effectively airlines and passengers will be able to use it.
The project is part of a wider programme of aviation infrastructure improvements at the Lagos airport. FAAN has said the Terminal 1 rehabilitation is expected to span 22 months, barring unforeseen delays, with a temporary departure facility supporting operations during the construction period.
Beyond the main terminal project, another major MMIA intervention involves the rehabilitation of Runway 18L/36R and sections of Taxiways B and C. The project, which includes upgrading the runway’s airfield ground lighting system to CAT II LED standard, is valued at N44,134,285,954.11.
Another N24,274,454,888.91 has been earmarked for the reconstruction and conversion of three apron phases at the domestic wing of MMA, covering a combined area of more than 82,000 square metres, to rigid pavement.
Together, these projects point to a broader attempt to improve the infrastructure supporting Lagos aviation operations. However, AON’s intervention highlights the importance of ensuring that physical improvements translate into practical operational benefits.
AON Wants Functionality Built into MMIA Design
For airlines, the effectiveness of the rebuilt airport will depend heavily on how passengers, aircraft, baggage, staff and support services move through the facility. A well-designed terminal therefore needs to consider the realities of daily airline operations from the planning stage.
AON’s request is consequently centred on early consultation rather than opposition to the reconstruction. The association specifically praised the Federal Government and FAAN for upgrading the terminal and providing what it described as befitting infrastructure for Nigerians.
The association said: “While we appreciate the efforts of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Federal Government to upgrade facilities at the airport terminal and give Nigerians a befitting infrastructure, we respectfully request that airlines, who are the key stakeholders, be carried along at the early stage to contribute their ideas towards the functionality and flow of the airport facility so as to address any design flaws that may affect functionality in future.”
The call places airline experience alongside engineering and construction considerations as the MMIA transformation progresses. It also underscores the need for the finished airport to support efficient passenger processing and airline operations after construction ends.
The MMIA project is being implemented by FAAN, with the Federal Government funding the major terminal rehabilitation. For official project information, travellers and stakeholders can consult.
