Lagos airport Terminal 3 disruption follows electrical spark at MMIA, prompting FAAN to shut the facility and divert flights as safety checks continue

Operations at Terminal 3 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos were disrupted on Wednesday after an electrical spark triggered smoke emission, forcing authorities to temporarily shut down the facility as a safety precaution.

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The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, confirmed that the incident occurred at about 14:05 hours within an operational office in the terminal, prompting an immediate response from the Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Services, ARFFS, who contained the situation before it could escalate.

Following the incident, FAAN ordered the suspension of activities at the terminal to prevent further risk.

Flights scheduled to operate from Terminal 3 were diverted to Terminal 2, while passengers were advised to adjust their travel plans accordingly.

Engineers were deployed to carry out maintenance and safety checks on electrical systems to ensure the terminal could safely resume operations once all systems are confirmed stable.

FAAN stated that the decision to close the terminal was a critical safety measure, prioritising the well-being of passengers, airline operators and airport personnel.

The disruption comes weeks after a separate fire incident at the airport’s old terminal in February 2026, which affected operations and led to flight diversions.

That earlier incident caused injuries and significant damage to infrastructure, including communication equipment used by aviation authorities.

Unlike the previous fire outbreak, Wednesday’s electrical spark did not result in any injuries or evacuations, and operations were quickly stabilised by emergency responders.

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FAAN added that Terminal 3 will reopen once all electrical systems have been thoroughly inspected and deemed fit for continued use, as authorities continue efforts to maintain safety standards across the airport facility.