In a bid to mitigate flight disruptions and enhance the efficiency of air travel, the Federal Government has officially reopened the D Wing of the old international terminal at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
This decision is part of a broader strategy to tackle the increasing challenges faced by both travelers and airlines operating in Nigeria. These challenges arose following the abrupt relocation of foreign airlines from the international terminal of Lagos Airport to a new adjacent terminal that began operations in March.
The reopening of the previously shuttered old international terminal, which had undergone temporary closure for renovations, was formally announced by the Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo, on a recent Monday.
In a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, Minister Keyamo underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the aviation sector and ensuring a seamless travel experience for passengers.
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The statement stated, “This is to inform the traveling public that the Hon. Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has generously permitted the utilization of the D Wing of the Old Murtala Muhammed International terminal to complement the New International Terminal, with the aim of facilitating the passage of passengers through the airport.”
Initially, Minister Keyamo had issued orders for airlines to move to the new terminal starting on October 1, 2023. However, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) took the initiative to forcibly relocate international carriers to the new facility on a Wednesday. This sudden relocation coincided with a fire incident that occurred in part of the baggage hall at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, necessitating the evacuation of passengers and personnel from the affected area.
In response to these developments, FAAN’s Director of Media, Mr. Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, explained that the airport fire and other issues affecting power supply were the reasons behind the immediate relocation of foreign carriers. He reassured the public that FAAN was actively addressing these challenges.
As a result of these measures, the use of the D Wing for passenger processing has already commenced. This move aims to alleviate flight disruptions and enhance the overall travel experience at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
