FG opens old MMA terminal to ease flight disruptions

The Federal Government has reopened the old international terminal’s D Wing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

The government wanted to reduce flight disruptions and increase overall air travel efficiency.

Following the abrupt shift of foreign airlines from the international terminal of the Lagos airport to an adjoining new terminal that opened in March, the move was part of a larger effort to address the rising issues encountered by travelers and airlines operating in Nigeria.

On Monday, the Minister of Aviation, Mr Festus Keyamo, announced the reopening of the old international terminal, which had been closed for renovations.

A statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, FAAN, Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, said Keyamo emphasised the government’s commitment to enhancing the aviation sector and ensuring that passengers had a seamless travel experience.

The statement reads in part, “This is to inform the travelling public that the Hon. Minister of Aviation, Mr Festus Keyamo, has graciously allowed the use of the D Wing of the Old Murtala Muhammed International terminal to compliment the New International Terminal in order to ease facilitation of passengers through the airport.”

Keyamo had ordered airlines to relocate to the new terminal on October 1, 2023 but FAAN on Wednesday forcefully relocated the international carriers to the facility.

The sudden relocation by FAAN came the same day fire razed part of the baggage hall of the MMIA, forcing the agency to evacuate passengers and personnel from the facility.

Reacting, the Director of Media, FAAN, Mr Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, said the airport fire and other development affecting power supply necessitated the sudden relocation of the foreign carriers. However, he said FAAN was on the matter.

The use of the D Wing for the processing of passengers had commenced.