A devastating fire at Lagos airport wiped out key air traffic systems, but swift emergency measures have kept Nigeria’s airspace operational and safe.
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) says emergency backup systems have stabilised air-to-ground communication after Monday’s fire gutted major equipment at Terminal One of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
NAMA Managing Director, Dr Ahmed Farouk, revealed that the blaze completely destroyed primary communication systems, forcing authorities to briefly suspend inbound flights into Lagos to prevent risks.
Despite the massive damage, Farouk said quick deployment of backup systems ensured that aerodrome approach and air traffic control communications remained functional.
“What currently sustains operations is the backup moved from other locations to Lagos,” he explained, assuring Nigerians that the nation’s airspace remains safe.
He praised air traffic controllers and emergency responders for acting swiftly to restore stability and confirmed that no lives were lost in the incident.
Meanwhile, efforts are underway to deploy a mobile control tower, with civil works already completed to support its installation after initial delays caused by weak terrain.
The fire, which broke out around 3:30 p.m. on Monday, destroyed equipment worth millions of naira across several floors, affecting aviation agencies, airlines, and concessionaires. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause and full extent of the losses.
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