The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced plans to temporarily shut Terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation and expansion programme aimed at fixing long-standing structural and operational deficiencies at Nigeria’s busiest aviation hub.
The planned closure, expected to take effect in March 2026, marks a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s broader effort to modernise ageing airport infrastructure and align Nigeria’s international gateways with global standards.
FAAN disclosed the decision via its official communication channels, explaining that the shutdown would allow contractors unhindered access to carry out extensive reconstruction works that cannot be executed while the terminal remains operational.
FAAN Lagos airport terminal shutdown tied to ageing infrastructure
According to FAAN, the FAAN Lagos airport terminal shutdown has become unavoidable due to the terminal’s obsolete infrastructure, which has increasingly struggled to support modern aviation operations and passenger traffic.
Terminal 1, which has served as a critical international departure and arrival point for decades, has been plagued by recurrent power outages, outdated electrical systems, congestion challenges, and structural fatigue.
These issues came into sharp focus again following a recent power failure at the terminal, which disrupted operations and inconvenienced passengers.
FAAN explained that the outage was caused by a fault in the changeover circuit supplying electricity to the terminal, noting that the incident further highlighted the limitations of the existing infrastructure.
“While temporary mitigation measures are in place, Terminal 1 has long-standing infrastructure constraints. As we prepare to shut down the terminal in one month under the MMIA Rehabilitation and Expansion Project, it is not feasible to install permanent new or additional backup equipment at this stage,” the authority stated.
Background of the MMIA rehabilitation project
The decision to close Terminal 1 is rooted in a project that has been several years in the making. In August 2025, the Federal Executive Council approved N712bn for the full-scale refurbishment and modernisation of the terminal.
Shortly after, on September 4, 2025, FAAN officially announced the commencement of reconstruction works at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
The project is designed to go beyond cosmetic upgrades, focusing instead on deep structural renewal, modern passenger processing systems, improved safety standards, and enhanced energy efficiency.
Announcing the approval at the time, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, described the project as a transformative intervention that would reposition Lagos as a competitive international aviation hub.
According to the minister, the centrepiece of the initiative is the complete rehabilitation, upgrade and modernisation of Terminal 1, ensuring compliance with international aviation standards and improving passenger experience.
Temporary arrangements for airlines and service providers
Ahead of the FAAN Lagos airport terminal shutdown, FAAN has been putting contingency measures in place to minimise disruption to airline operations and airport services.
Since September 2025, the authority has been constructing temporary workspaces and operational facilities for airlines, ground handlers, and other service providers that currently operate from Terminal 1.
These interim arrangements are expected to absorb displaced operations during the shutdown period.
Industry sources told ireport247news that airlines have been briefed on the phased transition plan, which may involve relocating some international operations to alternative terminals within the Lagos airport complex.
FAAN assured stakeholders that the transition would be coordinated to prioritise passenger safety, security, and service continuity.
Recurring power outages raise urgency
Power supply challenges at the Lagos international airport are not new. In 2024, FAAN confirmed a major blackout at the facility that left passengers stranded, delayed flights, and disrupted airport operations for hours.
Aviation experts say such incidents underscore the urgent need for comprehensive infrastructure renewal rather than repeated temporary fixes.
“The Lagos airport has outgrown its original design capacity. Without a full shutdown to allow proper reconstruction, these problems will continue to recur,” an aviation analyst said.
FAAN acknowledged this reality, noting that the upcoming closure would enable the authority to shift from short-term interventions to sustainable, long-term solutions.
Economic and passenger impact
The FAAN Lagos airport terminal shutdown is expected to have short-term implications for passenger flow and airline scheduling, particularly for international travel. However, FAAN insists that the long-term benefits will far outweigh the temporary inconvenience.
Nigeria’s aviation sector plays a critical role in trade, tourism, and investment flows, with Lagos serving as the primary international gateway. Improved airport infrastructure is seen as essential to boosting investor confidence and enhancing Nigeria’s global connectivity.
FAAN has apologised to passengers and stakeholders who may be affected by the closure, appealing for patience and cooperation during the rehabilitation period.
“We remain committed to delivering a safer, more reliable, and passenger-friendly airport experience,” the authority stated.
Outlook for Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure
The shutdown of Terminal 1 signals a broader shift in government policy towards tackling decades-old infrastructure challenges in Nigeria’s aviation sector. Similar rehabilitation projects are expected to follow at other major airports across the country.
Stakeholders believe that if properly executed, the MMIA rehabilitation project could mark a turning point for Nigeria’s aviation industry, improving operational efficiency, safety compliance, and passenger satisfaction.
As March approaches, all eyes will be on FAAN’s ability to manage the transition smoothly while delivering on its promise of a modernised Lagos international airport that meets global standards.
About The Author
