Air traffic controllers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, has been forced to relocate from the tower at airport’s terminal building to a mobile tower located around Caverton Helicopters.
The development came after fire outbreak at the baggage hall of the MMIA on Wednesday. The fire incident, which occurred around 8am, led to a temporary evacuation of passengers and airport staff from the flagship airport.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria confirmed the incident in a statement it issued later.
The statement, issued by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN, Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, read, “At approximately 0723 hours this morning, a suspected electrical spark at the baggage hall ceiling caused the smoke incident that was reported at Terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, located in Ikeja, Lagos. The source of the smoke was identified as a burning lithium inverter battery installation at the basement .
“Promptly responding to the situation at 0730hrs the dedicated firefighters from the Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS) of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and the Electrical Department of the authority initiated immediate action. Their swift response and professional efforts have successfully brought the situation under control.
“In accordance with our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of passengers, staff, and all airport users, the terminal building was promptly evacuated due to the smoke that had permeated some areas of the facility. We are pleased to report that the situation is presently under control.”
However, finding by The PUNCH showed that the incident forced FAAN to direct passengers of Delta Air Lines, United Air Lines, Ethiopian Airlines who arrived later in the morning to the new terminal build with Chinese loans.
Around 3pm, normalcy was restored to the old MMIA terminal, airport officials said.
However, further findings showed ATC officers who were evacuated from the MMIA to a mobile tower had yet to return to the facility as of 8pm on Wednesday.
Officials said the fire affected some cables which led to blackout in the control tower. As such, it was learnt that the ATC officers would continue to operate from the mobile tower until the fault was rectified.
The Director, Media, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Khalid Emene, confirmed the ATC officers had been relocated to a mobile tower, but insisted that it was a normal precautionary measure during an emergency.
He said, “The fire did not affect the control tower in any way. If there is an incident, the normal thing is to evacuate people from the building.”
Asked when ATC officers would relocate back to the terminal building tower, Emene said, “The good thing is that FAAN handled the situation quickly. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the tower. It is an operational issue. The equipment and tower is okay. I will confirm when they will be back on the tower and let you know.”
He added, “Our flight services have not been affected. Airplanes have been landing and taking off without any accident. The essence of having a mobile tower is because of emergency. We at the Nigerian Airspace Management will ensure safety which is the most important thing.”
Meanwhile, when contacted, the Public Relations Officer, Lagos Fire Service, Amodu Shakiri, said no life was lost.
A passenger identified as Patricia, who was seen standing in front of Terminal Two with her luggage, claimed some flights had been rescheduled till evening.
Patricia said “I am not sure of what is going on. I was directed to Terminal Two to wait for my flight as no passengers were allowed in to Terminal One. I also heard that some passengers might need to return later in the evening for their flights.”
Another passenger identified as Michael Obinna said, “I came to the airport to book a flight but I was denied access but all I can say is that I saw that people were stranded and when I asked around they said no official has come to address the crowd.”
