The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has temporarily diverted flight processing operations from the Temporary Terminal 3 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos following an electrical spark that led to smoke emission in one of the terminal’s operational offices.
According to a statement released by FAAN, the incident prompted authorities to briefly shut down the terminal at about 14:05 hours as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of passengers, airline staff, and airport personnel.
The authority explained that the electrical spark occurred in an operational office within the terminal, resulting in smoke that raised safety concerns and triggered an immediate emergency response. Airport emergency teams were quickly deployed to the scene to assess the situation and prevent any potential escalation.
As a result of the incident, flight processing activities were temporarily diverted to other terminals within the airport to ensure that passenger movement and flight operations continued with minimal disruption.
FAAN stated, “Electrical maintenance is currently ongoing to ensure that all electrical systems are functioning optimally ahead of the Terminal’s reopening.”
Officials emphasized that the temporary closure was a preventive measure designed to allow engineers and maintenance teams to thoroughly inspect the electrical systems, identify the source of the spark, and carry out necessary repairs to prevent a recurrence.
Passengers scheduled to travel through the affected terminal experienced some delays and were redirected to alternative processing points, while airport officials and airline operators worked to manage the situation and provide assistance to travelers.
Aviation analysts say that while such incidents can cause temporary disruptions, the swift response by airport authorities helped to prevent what could have developed into a more serious situation. Electrical faults in airport terminals are treated with high priority due to the presence of sensitive equipment, large passenger traffic, and strict safety regulations.
The Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, is Nigeria’s busiest international gateway, handling thousands of passengers daily and serving as a major hub for both domestic and international flights. Any disruption at the airport often has ripple effects on flight schedules and passenger movement across the country.
FAAN reassured the public that safety remains its top priority and that the terminal would only be reopened after a full inspection and confirmation that all electrical systems are functioning properly and safely.
The authority also appealed to passengers and airport users for patience and cooperation as maintenance work continues, assuring that normal operations would resume as soon as the situation is fully resolved.
The incident once again highlights the importance of regular maintenance and infrastructure upgrades at critical national facilities such as airports, where safety and operational efficiency must always be maintained at the highest standards.
