The MMIA Fire at the old Terminal 1 of Murtala Muhammed International Airport forced flight diversions and left six persons injured. However, there were no fatalities. Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, confirmed the injuries while assuring that emergency protocols limited the impact. Meanwhile, flight operations resumed shortly after containment.
MMIA Fire: No Fatalities, Six Injured
Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, stated that the MMIA Fire resulted in six injuries. However, she emphasised that there were no deaths. Emergency responders evacuated passengers and workers swiftly. Therefore, what could have escalated into a major tragedy was contained through coordinated action.
Mrs. Kuku explained that the immediate priority was controlling the blaze and safeguarding lives. “What is critical is to make sure that the fire itself is controlled,” she said. In addition, she confirmed that emergency operating procedures were activated without delay, ensuring everyone exited the terminal safely.
Cause Under Investigation
Preliminary findings indicate the MMIA Fire started from the ground floor of Terminal 1. However, Mrs. Kuku cautioned that investigations are ongoing. She clarified that no renovation work was active in the affected section at the time.
“I cannot say more than that at this time,” she noted. Meanwhile, authorities are examining both immediate and remote causes. Updates are expected once investigators conclude preliminary assessments.
Emergency Agencies Coordinate Swift Response
The FAAN boss disclosed that the airport’s Emergency Operations Centre was activated immediately. The Airport Manager, who doubles as Chief Safety and Security Officer, led the response. Meanwhile, support came from federal and Lagos State agencies.
Agencies on ground included NEMA, LASTMA, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police, and the Rapid Response Squad. In addition, helicopters assisted aerial coordination. According to Mrs. Kuku, effective collaboration among agencies ensured safe evacuation of about four flights that were landing during the MMIA Fire incident.
Flight Diversions and Quick Recovery
The MMIA Fire led to the diversion of three international flights. A British Airways flight diverted to Abuja, while Lufthansa rerouted to Malabo. An Emirates service was also affected. However, disruptions were described as minimal.
Mrs. Kuku reassured passengers that operations would resume within thirty minutes. Meanwhile, Ethiopian Airlines resumed services as recovery efforts progressed. Most international departures and arrivals had earlier shifted to Terminal 2 ahead of rehabilitation works. Therefore, the operational impact remained limited despite the incident.
Structural Integrity Assessment Pending
Concerns have emerged over the structural integrity of the ageing terminal. Smoke continued to billow hours after the MMIA Fire was contained. Therefore, civil and structural engineers will conduct detailed integrity tests.
Mrs. Kuku stated that professional assessments will determine the next steps. The outcome may influence the planned rehabilitation timeline for Terminal 1. In addition, safety considerations will guide decisions regarding future use of the facility.
For regulatory oversight on aviation safety standards, visit the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
Limited Operational Impact
Despite the MMIA Fire, airport activities stabilised quickly. Four airlines were already preparing to relocate to a temporary terminal facility. Meanwhile, firefighters from FAAN and Lagos State remained on standby to prevent re-ignition.
Mrs. Kuku expressed gratitude for the coordinated response from federal and state authorities. She stressed that no disruption is ever too small in aviation operations. However, she maintained that passenger safety was preserved and that the six injured persons received prompt medical attention.
