Lagos airport fire contained as flights resume — Police

The Airport Police Command in Lagos has confirmed that the fire outbreak at the Old Terminal 1 of Murtala Muhammed International Airport has been successfully extinguished, with normal operations restored and flights fully resumed.

In a statement released on Tuesday by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Mohammed Adeola, the police said the incident, which occurred on Monday, February 23, 2026, was effectively contained through coordinated emergency efforts.

The fire had earlier disrupted flight schedules, stranded passengers, and forced the diversion of some international flights after it affected activities around the control tower. Thick smoke was seen rising from sections of the terminal as firefighters worked for several hours to put out the blaze.

According to the command, the situation was stabilised later the same day.
“The Airport Police Command, Ikeja, Lagos, is pleased to inform the public of the successful containment of the fire outbreak at the Old Terminal 1 building of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport,” the statement said.

Adeola explained that the fire, which started in a section of the old terminal, was fully brought under control through the joint efforts of all responding agencies.

He added that by late hours on Monday, conditions at the airport had returned to normal.
The police also disclosed that 12 workers trapped in affected areas, including sections close to the control tower, were safely rescued.

“All evacuated persons received immediate medical attention, and no injuries or fatalities were recorded,” the statement noted.
The command confirmed that flight operations, which were temporarily disrupted, have now fully resumed. It added that all activities have been relocated to the New Terminal, while the Old Terminal 1 remains closed pending further safety assessment and clearance.

Commending the emergency responders, the police praised the professionalism and swift collaboration of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Rescue and Firefighting Services, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, medical teams, and other personnel involved in ensuring the incident was contained without loss of life.

Passengers and airport users were advised to rely on official communication channels for accurate updates