FG to suspend operations at Lagos airport terminal for two years

The Federal Government has revealed plans to temporarily shut down a major terminal at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation and expansion project.

According to the announcement, Terminal 1 of the international airport will be closed starting in March 2026. The closure is necessary to allow for extensive renovation works aimed at upgrading the facility and improving passenger experience.

The rehabilitation project is expected to run for 22 months, during which time airport authorities will put alternative arrangements in place to minimize disruption to travelers

The decision was disclosed by the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku.

She said the move is part of a broader effort to modernise Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and improve services at one of the busiest airports in West Africa.

According to her, the terminal has become overstretched due to rising passenger traffic. She explained that the rehabilitation will increase capacity, upgrade facilities, and improve safety and comfort for travellers.

To prevent major disruption to international flights, FAAN is building a temporary terminal for departing passengers. The temporary structure covers about 8,000 square metres and is meant to serve international outbound flights while construction work is ongoing.

Kuku said the temporary departure terminal is already over 90 per cent completed. She added that it will begin operations once Terminal 1 is closed.

She revealed that about five to six international airlines will be the first to move their departure operations to the temporary terminal. However, international arrivals and cargo handling will continue to use the existing airport facilities.

FAAN assured passengers that flight operations would not be suspended during the rehabilitation period. The authority said arrangements are being made to ensure smooth movement of travellers and airlines.

Passengers have been advised to arrive earlier than usual once operations begin at the temporary terminal. FAAN said this will help reduce congestion and allow enough time for security checks and processing.

The rehabilitation project is expected to transform Terminal 1 into a more modern and efficient facility. It will feature improved passenger flow, upgraded systems, and better service delivery when completed.