Airspace over Lagos was briefly suspended on Monday, February 23, 2026, after a fire broke out at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, disrupting operations and prompting emergency evacuations.
The Incident
Authorities reported that the fire started around 3:00 pm in a server room on the first floor of Terminal 1. The flames spread to the departures hall, which is currently undergoing a $500 million renovation project.
Injuries and Evacuations
Six people sustained injuries but are said to be in stable condition. Emergency teams evacuated 14 people trapped in the control tower, ensuring their safety.
Response and Restoration
The Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) confirmed that efforts were underway to establish a temporary control tower to restore operations. Flights resumed at 7:30 pm, following several hours of suspension.
Conclusion
The incident highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining infrastructure at one of Africa’s busiest airports. While operations have resumed, investigations into the cause of the fire and measures to prevent future disruptions are expected to follow.
