FAAN Lagos airport reconstruction begins, urging travellers to arrive early. Terminal One to undergo a N712bn overhaul, with completion set for 22 months

FAAN Lagos airport reconstruction officially commenced on Friday, with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announcing the start of major renovations at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.

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The N712.25 billion project, part of a larger N900 billion aviation infrastructure plan approved by the Federal Executive Council, includes the complete overhaul of Terminal One—Nigeria’s busiest and oldest international terminal.

In a travel advisory, FAAN urged all passengers to arrive early and adhere strictly to traffic guidelines to avoid delays and missed flights during the construction period.

“To ensure a smooth travel experience, we kindly request that passengers leave early for the airport, obey traffic instructions, and park in designated areas,” the authority said.

Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, revealed that the MMIA upgrade involves stripping the terminal to its structural base and rebuilding all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems from scratch.

“This is not patchwork. We’re rebuilding Terminal One entirely. It will meet modern global standards,” Keyamo stated during a press briefing.

The project is expected to last 22 months, during which airport operations will continue under tight logistics and space management.

FAAN issued the following guidelines to manage the impact of the ongoing works:

Arrive early to avoid flight disruptions
Minimize visits to the airport unless travelling
Use designated parking lots
Follow all directional signage and traffic flow rules

Due to space limitations, only travellers and essential personnel are encouraged to be on airport premises during the reconstruction.

“We appreciate your cooperation and understanding,” FAAN said. “These upgrades are critical for enhancing the passenger experience and safety.”

Located in Ikeja, MMIA serves as Nigeria’s primary gateway for both international and domestic air traffic, handling millions of passengers annually.

It is a key hub for airlines flying across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

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The new design is expected to align MMIA with global aviation standards, supporting the federal government’s drive to position Nigeria as a West African aviation leader.