The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced plans to temporarily close Terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, beginning in March, to allow for a comprehensive rehabilitation of the facility.
According to FAAN, the decision is part of a broader effort to address long-standing infrastructure challenges at the terminal, which has been in use for several decades without a full-scale overhaul. The rehabilitation project is expected to cover major structural upgrades, as well as improvements to mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, passenger processing areas, and overall safety standards.
FAAN officials explained that years of minor repairs are no longer sufficient to meet the demands of rising passenger traffic and modern aviation requirements. The planned closure will allow contractors unrestricted access to carry out extensive works aimed at transforming the ageing terminal into a facility that aligns with international airport standards.
To minimise disruption during the rehabilitation period, FAAN has put alternative arrangements in place. A temporary terminal has been prepared to handle departing passengers, ensuring that flight operations continue while construction is ongoing. Airlines and passengers will be formally notified of changes to check-in procedures and terminal usage ahead of the closure.
Passengers have been advised to monitor official FAAN announcements and stay in close contact with their airlines for updates, especially regarding departure points and arrival times once the rehabilitation begins.
The planned upgrade of Terminal 1 is seen as a critical step in the federal government’s wider agenda to modernise Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure, improve passenger experience, and enhance the country’s standing as a major air transport hub in West Africa.
